GOLD BAR — A pedestrian was killed in a crash along U.S. 2 in Gold Bar early Wednesday morning and an investigation is underway to determine if the driver will face criminal charges.
“It will take a significant amount of time to recreate the crash scene,” said Washington State Patrol trooper Heather Axtman. “The investigation is so early on right now.”
The crash happened shortly before 1:45 a.m. Wednesday near 387th Avenue Southeast. The pedestrian was identified as Thomas Boullioun, 68, of Gold Bar. He died at the scene.
A Sultan woman, 32, was arrested for investigation of vehicular homicide and booked into the Snohomish County Jail. A judge on Wednesday afternoon found probable cause had been established for investigation of driving under the influence, but not for vehicular homicide.
Troopers suspect the woman was drunk at the time of the crash, according to police reports. Initial information from the investigation indicates the pedestrian was in the roadway when he was hit, Axtman said.
The investigation will try to determine exactly where the pedestrian was, and if the driver’s alleged intoxication played a factor in the crash, Axtman said. For instance, her reflexes could have been slowed by her condition, she said.
Troopers allege she was driving a Mazda RX8 westbound on the highway and the pedestrian was walking eastbound when the crash occurred. A breath test indicated a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit for intoxication, according to a Washington State Patrol report.
The report indicated the driver admitted to having been drinking, that she performed poorly on field sobriety tests, and that she had a “strong odor of intoxicants and had a relaxed/giggly demeanor.”
There were open beer cans in the vehicle, troopers reported.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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