Driver faces vehicular assault charge after woman falls out of truck

An Olympia man has been accused of vehicular assault after a woman fell out of a moving truck that he was driving.

Jacob Allen Wells, 18, appeared Monday in Thurston County Superior Court. He faces one count of vehicular assault, driving under the influence of drugs, third-degree driving with a suspended license, reckless driving and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Bail was set for $5,000 and his arraignment was set for May 17.

Court documents give the following account:

Lacey police responded to a call shortly before 10 p.m. Friday about a female who had fallen out of a moving truck and hit her head on the ground in the parking lot at 1401 Galaxy Drive NE.

The woman was among “multiple people” who had been sitting in the back of the box truck while the back door was open, witnesses said. A bystander said the vehicle was being driven recklessly when the woman fell out.

The woman suffered a severe skull fracture and possible brain damage.

The driver, later identified as Wells, initially denied being behind the wheel when the incident occurred.

Upon a search of the truck, officers found a 2-foot glass bong and a jar of marijuana. A drug recognition expert with the Washington State Patrol arrived on the scene and determined that Wells had recently consumed marijuana.

At the scene, Wells denied using marijuana that day, and police report that he did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol. Police also discovered that Wells had outstanding warrants for reckless driving and third-degree driving with a suspended license.

At Monday’s court hearing, prosecutors noted that Wells has no prior criminal history. If bail is posted, he is prohibited from driving.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Driver faces vehicular assault charge after woman falls out of truck."