Ellensburg man charged for boat crash

EPHRATA — An Ellensburg man was charged after allegedly driving a boat onto the shore of the Columbia River, injuring two people in August.

Brooks Sansaver, 46, pleaded not guilty to two counts of watercraft assault and one count of vessel operator’s failure to render assistance on Monday in Grant County Superior Court.

Sansaver was reportedly driving his boat along the Columbia River on Aug. 17 along with seven passengers, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office report. Several witnesses stated he was reportedly drinking alcohol and traveling between 55 to 60 miles per hour down the river.

The witnesses claimed he was performing “doughnuts” and driving within about 50 yards of the shoreline, according to Grant County Superior Court records.

He was traveling northbound and ran onto the rocks at the south end of Sand Hollow, near Vantage, Wash.

Officers reported the boat went about 150 to 200 feet on shore, based on the initial marks found on the river bank, according to the police report.

Cody McDaniel, 20, Ellensburg, and Tristan Gorringe, 23, Ellensburg, were riding in the closed bow and were thrown onto the rocks.

Two of the witnesses reported Sansaver wasn’t drinking and was driving safely, according to the police report.

Gorringe was transported to Quincy Valley Medical Center and then to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Wash., where he was treated for head injuries. He also was treated for a fractured pelvis, a torn ear, aching neck and bruising and lacerations to his backside.

McDaniel was transported to Kittitas Valley Community Hospital in Ellensburg, Wash., to be  treated for a fractured fibula and a gash on the front of his shin, requiring five stitches.

Sansaver allegedly didn’t call 9-1-1 or contact either Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office or Grant County Sheriff’s Office after the accident, according to court records.

If convicted, Sansaver could face up to 10 years in prison.