TACOMA, WA – Today Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Daniel Robert Munguia, 25, with one count of vehicular assault after he allegedly caused a collision with a Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy. Investigators say Munguia was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash.
The deputy suffered a fractured vertebra and had to be rushed to the hospital.
“We are praying for a full recovery,” Prosecutor Lindquist said. “This is another unfortunate example of why alcohol, drugs, and driving don’t mix.”
On April 5, 2018, just before 10:00 p.m., Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies and Washington State Patrol Troopers responded to Deputy Sydney Davis call for help. A Kia driven by Munguia pulled in front of Deputy Davis, causing a collision near the area of 127th St. S. and Pacific Ave. in Parkland.
Witnesses told investigators they were traveling north on Pacific Avenue South in front of Deputy Davis. Both pulled over for the lights and sirens of two other patrol cars that passed them. Deputy Davis was behind the first two cars, with her emergency lights and siren were on.
Investigators spoke with Munguia. Munguia says he turned into the center turn lane of Pacific Avenue after the first two deputies passed, then moved left into the northbound lane of Pacific Avenue where he collided with Deputy Davis. He said he just didn’t see her.
While talking with Munguia, investigators noticed an odor of intoxicants coming from him, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. Munguia took a breath test, and registered a .107. He was arrested and charged with vehicular assault.
The deputy prosecutor in court recommended Munguia be held on $25,000.00 bail. The court instead released Munguia to Pretrial Services and ordered an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle he drives, and an alcohol sensor monitoring cuff on his ankle.
Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information, please contact James Lynch at (253) 798-6265, [email protected].