DUI enforcement effort nets multiple arrests in Thurston County

Posted Friday, January 2, 2026 3:30 pm

By The JOLT News Staff

A beefed-up effort to snare impaired motorists on New Year's Eve netted five arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) and resulted in 66 traffic stops.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said in a social media post that the first arrest came about 23 minutes into the enforcement effort.

He said the arrest carried additional significance because it was related to a fatal, head-on collision on South Bay Road earlier in the week. The collision was investigated by the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO).

"Probable cause was developed to arrest the causing driver for DUI - vehicular homicide; however, the suspect needed medical attention. As a result, TCSO did not make a physical arrest at the time to avoid becoming liable for significant medical bills," said Sanders in a social media post.

"Today (Dec. 31), deputies received information that the homicide suspect was out of the hospital. Deputies pulled the car over the suspect was in as a passenger. The homicide suspect tried to conceal drugs when she was arrested. The driver of the car exhibited signs of impairment and was also taken into custody for DUI-narcotics."

The name of the homicide suspect and impaired driver were not released.

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PatMer

This couple must be serious druggies if the driver picking the druggies suspect up at the hospital couldn't wait to do drugs.

Saturday, January 3 Report this

DUI enforcement effort nets multiple arrests in Thurston County

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