PORT ANGELES — Carey E. Deshaw has been sentenced to eight months in jail for crashing an SUV into a motorcycle at a Port Angeles intersection three years ago, Clallam County prosecutors said.
Deshaw, 62, of Port Angeles was driving under the influence of prescription drugs when he ran a red light at Fifth and Lincoln streets and crashed into a motorcycle ridden by Shane and Karen Simpson on July 9, 2016, court papers said.
Deshaw was sentenced July 11 to eight months in jail and one year of community custody after pleading guilty to one count of vehicular assault while under the influence of drugs.
Karen Simpson, the passenger on the motorcycle, suffered a torn knee ligament and torn leg muscle in the crash, Clallam County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Roberson said in a Thursday press release.
“Her injuries continue to significantly impact her life years later, according to court documents,” said Roberson, who prosecuted the case.
“Her husband, Mr. Simpson, sustained injuries to his leg, preventing him from working for several weeks and causing pain for almost a year after the accident,” Roberson continued.
Blood test showed that Deshaw was driving under the influence of a variety of prescription drugs, including morphine and clonazepam, when he crashed a Chrysler Pacifica into the motorcycle Shane Simpson was driving at about 3:36 p.m., police said.
Deshaw told police that he had consumed prescription drugs earlier that morning, Officer Whitney Fairbanks said in the affidavit for probable cause.
Fairbanks said Deshaw failed a field sobriety test and was found to be in possession of heroin, Fairbanks said.
Deshaw was charged in February with two counts of vehicular assault and one count of heroin possession.
He pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular assault while under the influence of drugs July 11.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brian Coughenour imposed the sentence recommended by Roberson and defense attorney Alex Stalker of Clallam Public Defender.
“During the sentencing hearing, the Simpsons spoke of how the crime transformed their lives and how they wished Deshaw continues on a path to recovery from drug addiction,” Roberson said.
“Before being sentenced, Deshaw turned to the Simpsons and expressed his remorse before accepting responsibility for his actions.”
Several people wrote letters to the court in support of Deshaw and his character.
Deshaw will be required to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow treatment recommendation as part of his community custody, Roberson said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
