Grant County deputy wrecks patrol car

GEORGE — A Grant County Sheriff's Office deputy lost control of the patrol car he was driving early Sunday and crashed into an embankment.

Deputy Beau Lamens, who joined the sheriff's office in October 2005, was not injured in the collision about three miles west of George. He is back on duty.

Damage to the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Lamens was driving is estimated at $5,000, the sheriff's office reports.

The accident occurred as Lamens was traveling eastbound on Road 1 Northwest about 4:28 a.m.

Chief Criminal Deputy John Turley said Lamens steered through a sharp curve, then "spun out" and went backward into a ditch until hitting the embankment.

Lamens was not responding to a call for assistance when the car reportedly spun out of control, Turley said.

The Washington State Patrol investigated the wreck and determined Lamens' speed at the time was too fast for conditions, Turley said.

The sheriff's office's own investigation determined Lamens was traveling about 60 to 67 mph. The speed limit for the curve is 35 mph, Turley said. Fifty-three mph is the fastest a car could travel on the curve and stay in its lane, he said.

An accident review board decides whether the wreck was preventable. Grant County Sheriff Frank De Trolio uses the board's findings to determine any disciplinary action.

On May 4, another sheriff's deputy was involved in a one-vehicle accident.

Deputy David De La Rosa was southbound on Dodson Road South when he drifted onto the shoulder of the roadway and lost control of the patrol car he was driving. He reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

De La Rosa suffered a bump to the top of his head and was transported to Samaritan Hospital.

Damage to the patrol car is estimated $4,800.

A review board hearing is scheduled for June 25 to determine whether or not De La Rosa's accident was preventable.

De Trolio makes a decision on any disciplinary action within five days of the review board's hearing.