Police Department

Freya Street and Upriver Drive Crash

Cpl. Ronald Van Tassel

Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 4:25 p.m.

On March 4, 2020 Spokane Police Officers responded to Freya and Upriver Dr for a serious, head on collision. When Officers arrived at the location they learned that one vehicle was going west on Upriver. That vehicle was being driven by a 22 year old female, and the car was occupied with a juvenile male and a family dog inside.

The other vehicle was driven by 39 year old Brian Pierce. He was east on Upriver Dr at a high speed. The driver admitted he was going around 50 MPH, the area is a 30 MPH zone. There is a sweeping corner just before the collision. It appeared that sometime during that turn Pierce lost control of his vehicle. He crossed the centerline by at least 5 feet and hit the oncoming vehicle head on. During the investigation, it became apparent that Pierce was under the influence of alcohol. Pierce has two previous DUI arrest/convictions on his record.

All three people were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The 22 year old female had a fractured foot which will require surgery to fix. The juvenile had minor injuries. Unfortunately, the family dog had to be put down due to its injuries.

Pierce received significant, non-life threatening injury and was admitted into the hospital. When released he will be facing Felony Vehicular assault charges, which occurs when somebody operates a vehicle in a reckless manner or intoxicated and they cause serious injury to another person. He is also being charged for “Injury or killing a pet”, which is a misdemeanor.

This is another example how DUI’s continue to cause major, life changing incidents. Please remember to plan ahead and get alternative transportation.

• Newer
• Older