Gary Thompson: Driver, 70, charged in fatal collision with school teacher after family beer night, released without bond
SPOKANE VALLEY, WASHINGTON: Gary Thompson, a 70-year-old man, facing charges of vehicular homicide after a fatal collision that claimed the life of 35-year-old school teacher Mindy Wilson, will remain free from jail.
The incident occurred on a Saturday night, February 3, as Thompson, having spent time with his family at a Spokane Valley establishment, struck and killed Mindy during his drive home.
What prompted the car crash?
The tragic incident unfolded around 7.10 pm, when Mindy was walking across Empire Avenue at Morton Street, clad in a dark jacket and jeans. According to court documents, a white 2020 GMC Canyon pickup truck driven by Thompson struck the victim, sending her into the eastbound lane, where another vehicle fatally struck her.
Despite the efforts of police, medics, and firefighters, Mindy succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Police found a Central Valley School District substitute badge with her name and picture on it, confirming that she served as a substitute teacher for the district.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Mindy's cause of death was blunt force injuries to the head, neck, torso, and extremities, ruling it as an accident, as per Spokesman.
Judge releases vehicular homicide suspect with clean record
Thompson was taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular homicide in connection with the tragic death of Mindy. Following his arrest, Spokane County Superior Court Judge Tony Hazel released the suspect from jail.
Dressed in a blue jean jacket and a white face mask, Thompson made his initial appearance on Tuesday before Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner Eugene Cruz. Despite the severity of the charges, Commissioner Cruz decided to allow the 70-year-old, who has no criminal history, released from custody.
However, recognizing the potential risks involved, Cruz imposed restrictions on Thompson. Instead of incarceration, he was ordered to drive with an ignition interlock device, providing a less restrictive alternative while addressing community safety concerns.
Gary Thompson attributes fatal collision to radio adjustment
Thompson recounted to the police that he was driving home from The Black Diamond, a restaurant and bar in Spokane Valley, where he had been with his family since about 2 pm. Traveling at approximately 30 mph, he claimed he did not see Mindy until the collision occurred.
He explained that he looked down to adjust his truck radio, leading to the tragic incident. Thompson admitted to consuming two pitchers of beer at the bar with two or three others, but he struggled to recall specifics about his alcohol consumption. He also mentioned having one "toke" of cannabis from a pipe earlier that morning.
Police officers noted a slight odor of alcohol on Thompson's breath and clothing, along with a slight slur in his speech. He appeared to have difficulty following directions and recalling information, prompting concerns about his state.
Following consultation with an attorney, the suspect declined to participate in a drug influence evaluation and further tests, except for a breath test for alcohol. Blood samples were eventually taken from Thompson as part of the investigation. He awaits an arraignment scheduled for February 21.
