Driver who allegedly collided with Sheriff Sanders has not been charged. Here’s why
The driver who struck a car driven by Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders on Saturday has not been charged with any crime.
Washington State Patrol booked the driver, a 29-year-old woman, on suspicion of felony hit and run with injury as well as driving under the influence, according to the county jail log.
However, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is not able to file charges until they receive the results of blood toxicology screening from a Washington State Patrol lab, according to PAO Chief of Staff Christy Peters. That process may take 12-18 months, Peters said.
Sanders shared video of the collision on Monday. Dash camera footage shows a dark vehicle attempting to turn left at the intersection of Martin Way East and Hensley Street Northeast while Sanders traveled southwest on Martin Way with a green light.
Sanders appears to turn right in an attempt to avoid the vehicle right before it strikes his driver’s side door head on. Sanders’ vehicle then comes to rest on the sidewalk at the corner of the intersection.
The video then cuts to a body camera on Sanders as he radios for help from his vehicle. Sanders opens his door and then falls down onto the ground. He can be heard saying he’s hurt and describing the incident over the radio.
A civilian then approaches Sanders and his passenger to allege the driver of the dark vehicle almost hit their car.
Sanders previously shared on Facebook that he was treated for “normal car crash injuries” at Providence St. Peter Hospital. He attended an event at New Life Baptist Church Sunday morning and resumed his duties this week, according to his Facebook page.
In his Monday post, Sanders described his passenger as a lateral deputy candidate and said they were OK. In a follow-up comment, he said his vehicle was not totaled as he initially suspected.
The Olympian obtained a WSP police report describing a trooper’s investigation into the incident.
The trooper observed Sanders’ vehicle and then traveled to Hensley Street Northeast at 12th Avenue to contact the 29-year-old driver who reportedly had left the scene of the collision.
Lacey police using a police dog reportedly found the driver hiding in some bushes, Sanders previously shared.
The driver allegedly told the trooper that she lived in Tacoma and traveled to Lacey to visit a local bar, according to the report. She allegedly said she had several drinks at the bar and that a vehicle struck her head on. After more questioning, she allegedly told the trooper that she became afraid because she did not have insurance so she left the crash scene.
The trooper reported that the driver had a strong odor of intoxicants, slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.
The trooper received a warrant to take the driver to MultiCare Capital Medical Center to be evaluated and get her blood drawn. She reportedly vomited several times in the troopers presence.
The report indicates the driver attempted to recant her earlier statements before admitting again to drinking three to four beers starting at around 10 p.m. Saturday.
This story was originally published October 10, 2024 at 12:58 PM.
