SEQUIM — The filing of criminal charges against a Sequim teenager driving a sedan that overturned in a Nov. 24 wreck, injuring the car’s two passengers, is on hold until the results of a blood test on the driver are returned, the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.
This comes as the passengers who were injured, Garrett Payton, 19, of Port Angeles and 15-year-old Cailey R. Stipe of Sequim, have been released from Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Stipe was discharged Tuesday, according to a hospital spokeswoman; Payton was released Nov. 28.
The passengers were taken to Harborview after the Volkswagen Golf in which they were riding drove off Heuhslein Road while heading east at about 1:45 a.m., according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
Elijah Sanford, 18, of Sequim was driving the sedan and suffered minor abrasions.
Charging decision
John Troberg, the county prosecutor assigned to the case, said Wednesday he’ll hold off on a charging decision against Sanford until he receives toxicology test results on Sanford’s blood and further investigative information from the Sheriff’s Office.
He said he expects the test results in the next 30 days and expects to eventually file two vehicular assault charges against Sanford for his role in the wreck that caused serious injuries to the two passengers.
Sanford was arrested Nov. 24 for investigation of vehicular assault, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Sheriff’s Office, and was released without bail Nov. 25.
The Sheriff’s Office said marijuana consumption and speed were factors in the wreck.
Sanford was exonerated from all conditions of release Monday, according to Clallam County Superior Court documents.
After the Volkswagen carrying the three left the road, it continued for about 96 yards and rolled at least once before coming to rest, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Stipe was thrown from the car, while Payton and Sanford were able to remove themselves from the wreck, the Sheriff’s Office said.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
