June trial date set for Port Angeles man accused of hit-and-run

Published 12:01 am Sunday, May 1, 2011

PORT ANGELES — Michael J. Moyle will be tried in June for allegedly deliberately ramming a car carrying four people — including two small children — last month.

The 28-year-old Port Angeles man pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of first-degree assault of a child, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree assault of a child — all of which come with an alternative charge of vehicular assault — and hit-and-run injury accident.

His trial is set for June 20. A four-day trial is expected.

Moyle remained in Clallam County jail Saturday; his bond is $500,000.

According to police, Moyle on April 13 chased a sedan from the Albertsons store parking lot at 114 E. Lauridsen Blvd. up South Laurel Street to near Viewcrest Avenue, where he rammed it with his car, sending it into a telephone pole.

The passengers, including a 5-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl, were hospitalized. All were released within a few days.

Police said Moyle was picked up about a block away and driven from the scene by Timothy P. Smith.

The next day, police said they found a loaded handgun in Smith’s truck, which he is not allowed to possess as a convicted felon.

Smith, 27, of Port Angeles, will be tried June 13 on charges of first-degree rendering criminal assistance and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the vehicle assault.

Smith also will be tried July 11 on charges of second-degree possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

While searching for Smith, police said they found a stolen motorcycle in his auto body shop and methamphetamine in his house.

Smith bailed out of jail April 20. Bail was set at $3,500.

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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.