EVERETT — A driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in downtown Everett on Aug. 4 reportedly was high on marijuana at the time, according to police.
Everett detectives recently wrapped up their investigation and have recommended the driver be charged with vehicular homicide, Everett police spokesman Aaron Snell said. The case now is being reviewed by county prosecutors.
The crash happened just before 11 a.m. at Everett and Wetmore avenues. Killed was Paul G. Bulger, 67, of Everett. Bulger was in the crosswalk at the time, according to police. He died at the hospital shortly after the crash.
The driver, a 57-year-old Everett man, was in a 2003 Chevy Silverado. The Herald is not naming him because he has not been charged with a crime.
After the August crash, the suspect reportedly told police at the scene that he had been turning left onto Everett Avenue and didn’t see the victim. At another point, he reportedly told investigators he saw Bulger waving his arms but had been unable to stop his truck in time.
The suspect also claimed the victim had been jaywalking. That contradicted statements from witnesses who said they saw Bulger crossing the street when the electronic pedestrian sign said, “Walk,” records show.
After the crash, the suspect agreed to a voluntary blood test. The test allegedly showed marijuana in the man’s system in excess of the legal driving limit, Snell said. Snell declined to disclose the exact level of alleged intoxication.
The man also reportedly admitted to smoking “a bowl” of marijuana at about 8 a.m. that day, in addition to taking a prescription drug for treating alcoholism. Federal experts recommend people not drive while using that particular drug.
In addition to seeking criminal charges, Everett police have asked the state to investigate the suspect’s driving license out of concerns that he “does not possess the skill set to operate a vehicle in a safe manner,” records show.
Investigators also ruled out equipment problems with the traffic lights and mechanical issues with the man’s pickup as factors in the crash.
The Herald obtained the detectives’ investigative reports through a public records request.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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