Target sign damaged by intoxicated driver, police say

An allegedly intoxicated man managed to take out a large chunk of the Target roadway sign on Harrison Ave in West Olympia on Saturday, July 31.

Joseph Tolbert, 24, attempted to leave the scene in his silver Mercedes Benz after the crash. Olympia fire witnessed the structural crash and contacted 911 dispatch, following the vehicle until Olympia police arrived.

According to the police report, the Harrison Ave sign overlooking the Target parking lot had suffered structural damage.

Several members of Olympia fire were attempting to make contact with Tolbert, telling his several times to turn off his running vehicle, which appeared to have white smoke emerging from the engine.

Tolbert appeared unresponsive and appeared confused.

After several verbal orders by OPD, Tolbert exited the vehicle and left a small pitbull puppy in the passenger’s seat.

Tolbert admitted to smoking both methamphetamine and cannabis in the hours prior to the collision.  Hwas arrested for driving under the influence and booked into the Olympia Jail.