A Tacoma man changing a tire on the side of state Route 512 was taken to the hospital Friday afternoon after being hit by a DUI driver, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Scott H. Vandyken, 39, was changing a flat tire on his 1995 Buick LeSabre at 7:23 p.m. in the eastbound right shoulder near 31st Avenue Southwest when he was hit by a 1996 Nissan pickup truck.
The driver of the truck, a 24-year-old Tacoma man, was headed east when he drove off the road onto the shoulder and into Vandyken.
Vandyken was taken to Tacoma General Hospital with non-life threatening leg and head injuries, according to Trooper Guy Gill.
The driver of the pickup was not injured. He is being accused of driving under the influence and vehicular assault, according to the State Patrol.
“This is what can happen if you make the choice to drink and drive,” Gill said. “I guarantee the driver of the pickup regrets his decision now.”
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.