CLALLAM BAY — A woman who had been arrested for investigation of driving while intoxicated late Tuesday night fled from a trooper, headed to a nearby home and — while still handcuffed — asked the people who answered the door for help, authorities said.
The couple, who the State Patrol did not identify, called 9-1-1 instead.
Amanda L. Leiza, 26, of Neah Bay was then arrested again for investigation of driving while intoxicated, as well as investigation of obstructing law enforcement, felony escape and driving with a suspended license, and several warrants: a gross misdemeanor bench warrant, a felony bench warrant, a failure to appear warrant, and failure to comply with a warrant.
Leiza remained at Clallam County jail in lieu of $16,250 cash bail on Wednesday night.
State Patrol spokeswoman Trooper Krista Hedstrom gave this account:
Trooper Eric Tilton was transporting Leiza from Clallam Bay to the Clallam County jail after arresting her on investigation of driving while intoxicated and several warrants.
In Clallam Bay, Leiza had declined to take a blood alcohol content test.
While en route to Port Angeles, near the intersection of state Highway 112 and state Highway 113, Leiza asked for some tissues.
Still handcuffed
When Tilton went around the vehicle to offer them to her, she escaped the car and began running through the area brush.
Leiza was still handcuffed at the time.
State troopers began looking for her, with help from U.S. Border Patrol agents, who used dogs to track her.
About an hour later, a couple who lived along the highway phoned police to say the woman had showed up at their home.
“The couple was nice enough to call the police when she showed up their house looking for help,” Hedstrom said.
“She told them she had been arrested and needed some help.”
Tilton, Trooper Ken Ahrens and Sgt. Gailin Hester went to the home to arrest Leiza.
She made a first appearance at Clallam County Superior Court on Wednesday. The date of her arraignment was not available on Wednesday.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
