Soldier sees felony charges following Christmas Eve accident in Kent
By BRIAN BECKLEY
Kent Reporter General assignment reporter
Jan 06 2009
A Fort Lewis soldier faces vehicular-assault charges stemming from a Christmas Eve accident in Kent that sent six people to the hospital, three with serious injuries.
According to the Washington State Patrol, Reed Tilsas, 30, has been charged with three counts of vehicular assault, a felony.
A fourth count may be added depending on the condition of one of the victims.
According to police, Tilsas was driving a Dodge Durango west on state Route 516 on the evening Dec. 24 when he crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a Toyota Tacoma stopped at the light at Military Road South.
Kent Fire Department and Washington State Patrol responded to the incident, transporting six people to area hospitals, including three initially described as “serious, but not critical.”
The seriously injured – two women and one man – were transported to Harborview Medical center in Seattle.
According to Trooper Curt Boyle, police on scene took a blood sample from Tilsas to check for any substances in his system.
“He was believed top be under the influence of alcohol,” Boyle said.
According to state law, a class B felony is punishable for up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
If given jail time, the sentences may be given consecutively or in conjunction with each other.
The condition of the victims is unknown at this time.
Kent Reporter General assignment reporter Brian Beckley can be reached at bbeckley@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5054.- Civil
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