Police Department

Upriver Vehicle Collision

Ofc. Seth Wolfe, PIO

Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 10:12 a.m.

Update 4/15/22: More Charges for Impaired Driver who Crashed into the River

The driver of a vehicle that crashed into the Spokane River this week faces upgraded and additional charges.

SPD investigators have determined probable cause exists for an additional charge of Vehicular Assault in the car crash that seriously injured two teens Monday night. Although it was originally reported to officers that one of the passenger suffered only minor injuries, she was transported to the hospital where she was admitted for multiple serious injuries including several fractures. The other teenage passenger was also transported and remains in critical condition.

On Monday, April 11^th, just before 8:30pm, police were advised of a vehicle that had driven off the roadway in the area of 2700 E South Riverton Ave. into the river below. Several more callers stated there were multiple occupants in the vehicle when it left the roadway and entered the river. Officers, along with Spokane Fire and AMR Personnel, arrived to the area and were able to remove all occupants from the vehicle.

One male was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Initially, it was believed the other passenger received only minor injuries from the collision. Once fully evaluated, it was determined she received multiple fractures and other serious injuries. It appears at least one of the occupants was not wearing a seatbelt when the crash occurred.  The driver, Serenity Dalziel (19), was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries in the collision, then booked into Spokane County Jail for Vehicular Assault and Reckless Endangerment of a Juvenile, as a result of being under the influence of drugs other than alcohol, at the time of the collision.

Due to the extensive injuries to both passengers in the car, the determination from a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) that the driver was likely impaired by cannabis, and evidence speed was likely a factor, the driver’s charges will be upgraded to two counts of Vehicular Assault in addition to a charge of Reckless Endangerment as one of the occupants was an underage teen.  At this time, this incident is still under investigation.

This is an important reminder to teens and parents as we head into prom, graduation and the summer months. One of the number one killers of our teens are crashes and top contributing factors are impairment, speed, and not wearing a seatbelt.  It’s important to remember that alcohol is not the only substance that causes impairment.  Among numerous others, cannabis is also a common substance seen in impaired drivers.  It’s been shown cannabis impairment reduces reaction times and often the collisions involve high speeds leading to serious injuries and fatalities. For more information, please visit the Washington Traffic Safety Commission at https://wtsc.wa.gov/programs-priorities/young-drivers/ .

Original Release 4/11/22:

One vehicle collision sends one male to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

On 04/11/2022 at approximately 2020 hours 911 dispatch was advised of a vehicle that had driven off the roadway in the area of 2700 E South Riverton Ave. and into the river below. Several more callers also advised 911 of the collision and stated there were multiple occupants in the vehicle when it left the roadway and entered the river.

Officers from the Spokane Police Department, along with Spokane Fire and AMR Personnel arrived to the area and were quickly able to determine the collision occurred north of the given location, in the area of 2800 E Upriver Dr.  SPD, SFD and AMR Personnel were able to remove all occupants from the vehicle.

One male was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. One other occupant received minor injuries from the collision and was also taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The driver of the vehicle was evaluated on scene and subsequently taken into custody for DUI. Although an arrest has been made, this investigation is still ongoing.

Please avoid the area on E Upriver Dr. between N Stone St. and N Regal St., as it will be blocked off while the investigation is being conducted.

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