PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular assault charges.
Robert Allen Spencer, 62, pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of vehicular assault in connection with a Jan. 2 collision along Marine Drive that hospitalized 63-year-old Thomas Hanley and his 15-year-old son, Seamus.
Spencer remained in the Clallam County jail Wednesday.
Port Angeles police say Spencer was under the influence of alcohol when the GMC Envoy sport utility vehicle he was driving east on Marine Drive at about 7 p.m. Jan. 2 crossed the centerline and hit the driver’s side of a westbound Honda Civic.
Thomas Hanley was driving the Honda with his son as the sole passenger, police said.
Serious injuries
Both Hanleys were taken to Olympic Medical Center with serious injuries, according to police, with the younger needing emergency abdominal surgery.
Thomas Hanley suffered a fractured sternum, police said.
The elder Hanley had been treated and discharged as of Jan. 4, a hospital spokeswoman said at the time.
John Troberg, Clallam County chief deputy prosecuting attorney, said the younger Hanley ultimately spent six days in the hospital.
“I understand that they’re doing better,” Troberg said Tuesday.
Spencer failed a field sobriety test at the scene of the wreck, police said, and told officers he had drunk between three and four 16-ounce beers at a nearby lounge before the collision.
Troberg said Spencer’s blood-alcohol content was 0.2 percent, 2½ times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Spencer must abide by a number of requirements as part of his sentence, according to Superior Court documents, including submitting to a substance abuse evaluation and staying away from alcohol or any place where it is the chief item of sale.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
