Man injured in suspected DUI crash on Freya Way; police searching for passenger who fled

A man was seriously injured in a crash on Freya Way that police say was caused by impaired driving and speeding.

Freya Way, which connects Greene Street to Freya Street on a bridge over railroad tracks, was closed for several hours Thursday morning and reopened at about noon.

Spokane police Sgt. Terry Preuninger said the crash occurred about 6 a.m. when a man speeding in a northbound Ford Escort lost control of his car on a curve, struck a raised median and went into the southbound lane where he struck an oncoming Toyota Camry.

The driver of the Camry was injured and taken to the hospital in a private vehicle, Preuninger said.

The man driving the Escort had to be extricated from the sedan by firefighters. He was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and is expected to face charges of vehicular assault and driving under the influence, Preuninger said.

A passenger in the car fled the scene on foot.

“We have not found him,” Preuninger said. “We would like to.”