Three hospitalized, one suspected of DUI in head-on crash on Upriver Drive that killed dog

Wed., March 4, 2020

By Jared Brown jaredb@spokesman.com (509) 459-5135

Three people were hospitalized and one of them will face felony vehicular assault charges after a head-on crash on Upriver Drive Wednesday just after noon, according to Spokane police.

The crash occurred after a sweeping turn along East Upriver Driver near North Freya Street, according to a news release. Police say it appeared Brian Pierce, 39, lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line by at least 5 feet, hitting a car head-on with a 22-year-old woman, a juvenile male and a dog inside.

Pierce told officers he was driving 50 mph in a 30-mph zone, and police say it was apparent he was under the influence of alcohol during the crash, the news release said.

Pierce has been accused of DUI twice before. One of those cases was in 2015, and Spokane County Court records show he paid fines as recently as last month.

The 22-year-old woman fractured her foot and will require surgery, the news release said. The juvenile suffered minor injuries. The dog had to be put down due to its injuries.

Pierce received a significant, non-life threatening injury and was admitted to the hospital.

Police say Pierce will also face misdemeanor charges for killing the dog.

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Three hospitalized, one suspected of DUI in head-on crash on Upriver Drive that killed dog

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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