MEAD, Wash. — A 17-year-old suffered serious injuries in a head-on crash near Mead on Sunday, and the suspected driver responsible was arrested.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 4:30 p.m. to a report of a reckless driver that led to a crash near Doak Road and Argonne Road. Witnesses told deputies that the driver of a northbound Ford F-150, later identified as 56-year-old Raymond Jones, was reportedly driving erratically on Argonne.
Deputies said Jones crossed the centerline near the intersection with Doak Road and collided nearly head-on with a southbound car carrying three occupants — two adults and a teenager.
The 17-year-old passenger suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Jones reportedly told deputies he believed he had been hit by another car and thought he was driving on Bigelow Gulch Road at the time of the crash. He said he was driving home after stopping for a drink, during which he consumed a shot of whiskey and several beers, according to deputies. Deputies noted that he smelled of alcohol.
Deputies obtained a search warrant to take a blood sample from Jones for testing.
Jones was booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of vehicular assault. A judge set his bond at $25,000 during his court appearance the next day.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
