Drunk driver caused rollover wreck, then tried to hide his beer, WSP says
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- Driver allegedly loaded beer into backpack after I-182 crash near Road 68
- Trooper reported strong alcohol odor and bloodshot eyes at the crash scene
- Defendant with prior DWIs held on vehicular assault with $250,000 bail
An accused drunk driver was spotted loading beer cans into a backpack following a crash on Interstate 182 last week.
Witnesses spotted Jesse J. Delgado Jr, 48, of Kennewick, loading the alcohol after he allegedly caused a wreck when he clipped another car while changing lanes on I-182 near Road 68, court documents said.
Troopers believe Delgado was going east in the center lane of the interstate about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 when he tried to move into the left most lane. Delgado’s left rear bumper allegedly hit the front right bumper of the other car.
Both vehicles spun into the center median and flipped.
The crash left Delgado’s passenger with a broken ankle, according to court documents.
When the trooper investigating arrived at the scene, Delgado was already out of the vehicle. Witnesses allegedly saw Delgado getting out of the driver’s side of the car.
The trooper said there was a “strong and obvious odor” of alcohol coming from Delgado and his eyes were bloodshot and watery, court documents said.
Delgado claimed the other car hit his, and that the last time he drank was seven hours before the crash.
Delgado has a history of drunk driving and was supposed to be using a device that checked his breath before he started driving, court documents said.
He is being held in Franklin County jail on suspicion of vehicular assault. His bail is set for $250,000.