DRINKING LEADS TO ACCIDENT: Police on Jan. 23 were dispatched to the scene of a three-car accident in the 21300 block of state Route 410. After talking to the victims, it appears a Jeep hit the back of a car waiting in traffic, which then struck the car in front of it. The driver and passenger of the middle car reported neck and back pain. They were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by East Pierce Fire and Rescue. When police contacted the driver of the Jeep, they could smell the strong odor of mouthwash coming from the vehicle. In addition, the driver’s eyes were bloodshot and watery and his speech was slurred. Initially the driver denied drinking, but admitted to having “three beers.” The driver failed multiple field sobriety tests and then refused to take a portable breath test. He was arrested and taken to the public safety building, where, more than an hour after the accident, he blew a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit. He was transported to Puyallup Jail and booked for driving under the influence and speed too fast for road conditions.

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