Toppenish Officer Avoids Head-On Collision with Drunk Driver

An officer from Toppenish narrowly avoided a head-on collision early Saturday morning with an intoxicated driver, according to the Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office. The incident happened along Asotin Avenue in Toppenish, where the officer was traveling when a white Kia driven by a 23-year-old man swerved into his lane in the opposite direction.

NARROWLY AVOIDING A HEAD-ON CRASH

The officer reported having to brake sharply to avoid a crash. The driver then corrected his course, noticed the officer, and sped off along nearby Toppenish Avenue. Court papers say the suspect eventually turned into a private driveway and stopped his vehicle, where he was quickly arrested on charges of DUI.

EMPTY BEER BOTTLES AND A SUSPENDED LICENSE

Authorities found a beer can in the vehicle’s console and empty beer bottles inside. The driver, who has a prior DUI arrest, was also driving on a suspended license.

READ MORE: YAKIMA CITY TO TALK ABOUT LICENSE PLATE READERS 

YAKIMA OFFICERS BUSY WITH TRAFFIC CONTROL

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Yakima law enforcement to combat impaired driving. Yakima city speed patrols continue daily, with increased focus on slowing traffic along Summitview Avenue, especially in the west part of the city.

A BUSY DECEMBER

In December alone, the Yakima Police Department conducted 2,250 traffic stops, issued 1,022 citations, and investigated 120 crashes—60 of which occurred at unidentified intersections within the city. Officers also arrested 64 drivers for DUI during that month.
Yakima officials emphasize that combating impaired and reckless driving remains a top priority in their ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.