SEQUIM — A Sequim police cruiser was struck in a roundabout by a teen later booked in Clallam County jail on suspicion of DUI, according to the State Patrol.
Trooper Katherine Weatherwax said troopers responded to the 9-1-1 call at 12:59 p.m. Saturday after Austin Newton, 19, of Sequim allegedly drove a vehicle at a high speed and struck the Sequim patrol car as it was entering the roundabout.
She said Newton and his 16-year-old male passenger were going through the Sequim Avenue/Port Williams Road roundabout.
Those involved were taken to Olympic Medical Center, Weatherwax said.
Officer Devin McBride was evaluated and released with minor injuries the same day, deputy chief Mike Hill said.
The 16-year-old sustained a collarbone injury that medical officials initially thought to be broken but was later revealed as deeply bruised,” Weatherwax said. Newton had no injuries, she added.
A misdemeanor charge against Newton for a “driver under 21 consuming alcohol” is pending with the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office, Hill said.
He was also issued a traffic infraction for second-degree negligent driving and for having an open alcohol container in the vehicle.
Sequim’s patrol vehicle “received significant front-end damage and is inoperable until it can be repaired,” Hill said.
Weatherwax said the collision made the cruiser spin 180 degrees.
