Driver suspected of DUI after Sunset Highway head-on collision Saturday afternoon

While using the center lane to pass illegally, a driver hit a car in the turn lane head-on and injured the elderly driver and passenger west of Spokane on Saturday afternoon.

At about 3:30 p.m. Saturday Joseph Duckhein, 29, was passing traffic in the center median on Sunset Highway in his 2012 Ford Escape, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Duckhein’s car hit a 2019 Honda Ridgeline that was traveling in the turn lane, WSP said. The driver of the Ridgeline, David Strand,73, sustained minor injuries while his passenger, Lois Strand, 65, had to be taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center. 

The state patrol found evidence that Duckhein was driving under the influence and indicated he could also be charged for reckless driving. Duckhein was also injured and taken to Deaconess Hospital.