Driver hits pole on Admiral Way

Police say a driver has hit a pole on the northbound side of the 3600 block of Admiral Way [map], and brought down wires/cables; traffic on that side will be blocked for a while.

Carissa November 25, 2024 (8:32 am)

This was definitely my next door neighbor. He drives drunk nightly and when he got home in the early morning we saw the front of his car was in an accident (tree or pole shaped dent). I’ve tried calling the non emergency line, to report but haven’t been able to get through. Any other suggestions are welcome on how I should go about reporting.

Jason November 25, 2024 (9:16 am)

Unless you have it on camera I am not sure anything can be done based on word.
Pdefender November 25, 2024 (9:18 am)

If your aim is to get him arrested for drunk driving, that won’t happen. At best, and if he makes any admissions to police, he could potentially be arrested for hit and run property damage (a simple misdemeanor). But if they didn’t catch him in the act, it would be virtually impossible to prove DUI (source: I’ve been a criminal defense attorney for 10+ years). Might be more neighborly to discuss this with him and see what resources may benefit him. Sounds like he’s struggling. Hopefully this is the wake-up call he needs.
- Lisab November 25, 2024 (9:31 am)
  
  He’ll be “struggling” more when he kills an innocent.
- Forensic November 25, 2024 (9:46 am)
  
  Forensically: of course that vehicle can be scientifically connected to that accident.
  - Pdefender November 25, 2024 (5:27 pm)
    
    This is presuming they would have enough evidence to get a warrant, get paint samples from the vehicle, and then match them with any paint transfer from the pole that was hit. And again, in the end all that would do is prove that that particular vehicle was involved in the crash, not who the driver was or whether they were drunk or not.
Alki resident November 25, 2024 (11:22 am)

It’s got to be unnerving knowing you have a drunk driver on your block and not much will happen until he kills someone. I’d definitely be reporting this to police. Thank you for being aware.
Gerry MacCamy November 25, 2024 (12:51 pm)

Hi Carissa—wouldn’t hurt to notify DOL, maybe they call him in for interview. Admittedly uphill if minimal actual citations. If see drunk and getting into car, obviously call 911 immediately because DUI in progress. Agree with prior comments re forensics for hit and run; also speaking with him if he is more sad case than aggressive drunk. Finally perhaps get police contact thru Admiral Crime Prevention Council / Rob Saka. If he kills somebody, at least you’re doing what you can.
CarDriver November 25, 2024 (1:45 pm)

Carissa. Keep trying with SPD. Are you willing to give a statement? He may have DUI’s on his record. As other commenters have said highly unlikely he’d face charges for this crash but at least he can be on polices radar as a problem driver.
Neighbor November 26, 2024 (9:43 pm)

You could also try contacting:Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

Jennifer Satterwhite

jennifer.satterwhite@seattle.gov(206) 256-6820 (206) 471-2849

Dan November 25, 2024 (9:41 am)

In community meetings SPD has repeatedly told us to call 911 for everything. They will reroute accordingly. The non emergency line is rarely staffed currently and will just lead to frustration.

70 years in West Seattle November 25, 2024 (3:09 pm)

Thanks Dan! I was just about to post the same info ~ as reported many times on WSB and heard at in-person SPD community meetings.