Battle Ground man sentenced to 90 days in DUI crash

Sept. 22--A Battle Ground man who was driving under the influence when he caused a crash, injuring himself and two others, was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail.

The judge, however, said that William M. Jones may be screened for the jail's work-release program -- which would allow him to work outside in the community and be confined when he's not working -- to see if he's eligible.

Jones, 21, pleaded guilty in Clark County Superior Court to vehicular assault driving while under the influence in connection with the May 20 crash in the Manor area.

Clark County sheriff's deputies responded at about 6:40 a.m. to the intersection of Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast 179th Street for a Ford Ranger that ran a red light and collided with a Honda Accord, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Deputies said they smelled alcohol coming from the driver of the Ford, identified as Jones. He was arrested after taking a voluntary field-sobriety test. His license was suspended, and he had a warrant for failing to appear for driving with a suspended license, the affidavit states.

The driver and passenger in the Honda, Carolyn and Kurt Johnson, were transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment. Firefighters had to first extricate Kurt Johnson from the vehicle. He suffered two fractured ribs, court records show.

Breath tests taken about 1 1/2 hours after the crash found that Jones had a blood-alcohol level of 0.143 and 0.147 percent, according to court documents. In Washington, a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more is considered evidence of drunken driving.

He later had to be transported to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center for injuries to his head and hand, the affidavit said.

Jones will also serve 12 months of community custody and must pay $76,793.46 in restitution. He reportedly did not have car insurance at the time of the crash. His license will also be revoked.

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