Updated on: 4/10/2020
A 50-year-old man was in court Monday after being arrested on charges of vehicular homicide for purportedly striking Gary Slick with his vehicle Saturday in Bonney Lake, killing the 47-year-old man.
News reports state that 50-year-old James Southard Jr. pleaded not guilty to the deadly drunk driving collision and Court Commissioner Craig Adams ordered him jailed in lieu of $1.5 million bail, up from the prosecutor’s request of $500,000.
The accident took place at approximately 5:30 p.m. on August 11 near the intersection of 214th Ave E. and SR 410. Witnesses reported seeing Southard’s vehicle swerving on the roadway and jump up on the shoulder before striking Slick. Police found methamphetamine and other drugs in the vehicle, and the arresting officer said Southard appeared disoriented and groggy upon his arrest.
In 2000, Southard pleaded guilty to five felonies in connection with a number of drunk driving crashes, including one that resulted in the death of 37-year-old Shawn Fairbanks.
Drunk Driving Statistics
- Approximately 2,042 people have been killed by drunk drivers in Washington State in the past decade.
- In the past decade, more people were killed by drunk drivers in Washington State than from an intentional killing.
Bonney Lake Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys near Tacoma
Davis Law Group helps drunk driving collision victims get financial compensation for their injuries and lost wages. Our firm’s experience and dedication are what makes our team among the top-rated drunk driving victim attorneys in Seattle. If you have been the victim of a drunk driver, contact Davis Law Group at 206-727-4000.