PORT ANGELES — Two Clallam County teenagers remained in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Tuesday after the car they were riding in rolled in an early Sunday morning wreck, ejecting the younger of the two.
Garrett Payton, 19, of Port Angeles and 15-year-old Cailey R. Stipe of Sequim were taken to Harborview on Sunday morning after the 1991 Volkswagen Golf they were riding in — driven by Elijah Sanford, 18, of Sequim — drove off Heuhslein Road while heading east at about 1:45 a.m.
Released without bail
Sanford, who suffered minor abrasions in the wreck, was arrested Sunday for investigation of vehicular assault, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, and was released without bail Monday.
He is scheduled to appear in Clallam County Superior Court at 1 p.m. Monday to face charges that may include two counts of vehicular assault and one count each of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana, said John Troberg, deputy prosecuting attorney, on Monday.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that in addition to the pending alcohol charge, marijuana use also was a likely factor in the wreck.
Payton was in serious condition and improving as of Tuesday, according to a Harborview spokeswoman, while Stipe remained in serious condition.
‘Doing a little better’
Janet Stipe, Cailey Stipe’s grandmother, said in a phone interview Tuesday that the 15-year-old was doing “a little better” and was up walking around a little.
Cailey’s mother is with her at Harborview as Cailey recovers, Janet Stipe added.
After the Volkswagen carrying the three left the road, it continued for about 96 yards and rolled at least once before coming to rest, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Stipe was thrown from the car, while Payton and Sanford were able to remove themselves from the wreck, the Sheriff’s Office said.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
