Driver arrested for allegedly driving under the influence after collision in Olympia

A 34-year-old man was arrested after a traffic collision involving a motorcycle at the intersection of 113th Avenue SW and Crockett Street SW in Olympia on Sept. 28. 

According to a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office report, the suspect, identified as Joseph Arlo Lustri, of Olympia, was driving a 2003 Mazda pickup truck when he entered the intersection and failed to yield to an oncoming motorcycle.  

The motorcycle, carrying two riders, attempted to avoid the truck but lost control and crashed into nearby bushes.

“He saw Joseph sitting at the intersection for a few seconds and all the sudden at the last moment he pulled out in front of him,” a responding deputy stated in the report following an inteview with one of the victims.

Both riders were injured and taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia for medical evaluation and treatment.

Hospital staff confirmed that one of the motorcycle riders suffered multiple fractured ribs and a bruised spleen. 

Deputies responding to the scene noted Lustri showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, and they also detected the smell of alcohol. Open alcohol containers were reportedly found inside his vehicle. After conducting field sobriety tests, deputies determined Lustri was under the influence and placed him under arrest. 

The suspect declined to take a breath test. A search warrant was later obtained for a blood sample, which was taken and submitted for toxicology testing. 

Lustri was transported to Thurston County Corrections Facility for driving under the influence and vehicular assault.