Intoxicated Driver Hits Parked Vehicle Injuring the Person Loading It
Driver Arrested for Vehicular Assault
Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a reported injury collision in the 7400 block of E. 8th Ave. in Spokane Valley. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged with vehicular assault.
On November 22, 2018, just prior to 10:00 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputies were called to the scene of a reported two vehicle injury collision.
Arriving Deputies learned a Toyota Tundra, driven by 36-year-old Lonny J. Mangelson, was traveling east on 8th Ave. and drifted onto the shoulder of the roadway. Mangelson’s vehicle hit a parked car before crashing head-on into a second vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Outlander. The force of the collision pushed the Mitsubishi back striking the adult female victim, an Uber driver, who was standing next to her vehicle, loading items into the backseat.
The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for further treatment.
When Deputy Andrew Richmond contacted Mangelson, he immediately noticed Mangelson’s eyes were glossy and he smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Mangelson’s vehicle. Mangelson, speaking slowly, admitted to drinking alcohol during the evening.
Deputy Spencer Rassier arrived to conduct an investigation to determine if Mangelson was DUI. He noted Mangelson’s eyes were droopy, bloodshot/watery, and he could smell as strong odor of alcohol coming from Mangelson’s breath. After conducting field sobriety test, Mangelson was arrested for DUI. Mangelson later refused to submit to a breath test.
Due to the substantial injuries suffered by the victim, Mangelson was advised he was being charged with vehicle assault. A search warrant to obtain a blood sample from Mangelson was requested and granted. Mangelson was medical evaluated due to the collision and a blood sample was obtained at that time.
Mangelson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Vehicular Assault, a felony.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer