Gig Harbor Police Reports: Man Suspected of DUI, Turns Out to be Diabetic

The following arrest information was supplied by the Gig Harbor Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.

DWLS/Arrest: On Oct. 9, police were dispatched to a two-car collision near Wollochet Drive NW and Stinson Avenue. After the investigation, officers arrested a 23-year-old man for third-degree DWLS. He was also issued an infraction for no proof of insurance.

DWLS/Arrest: On Oct.12, the officer was driving north on Harborview Drive near Dorotich Street when he noticed a truck traveling south on Harborview. He witnessed the driver cross the centerline into his traffic, causing the officer to turn in order to avoid colliding into the car.

While the officer was trying to catch up with the truck, he witnessed the driver weaving the fog line and nearly colliding into parked cars. At this point, the officer had suspected the man of driving under the influence.

The truck eventually stopped in the middle of Harborview Drive at the intersection of Pioneer Way. When police approached the vehicle, the 32-year-old male driver was slow to move and failed to follow instructions.

The officer had to force the man out of his truck, who lost his balance and fell to the ground. The man continued to actively resist the officer's commands.

By then, several nearby citizens also came over to assist in gaining control of the man. The officer used a Taser without the cartridge and issued two full cycles in "drive stun" mode on his back. During the investigation, the man was placed in the back seat of the patrol car.

Police suspected him of drinking, but the driver denied it. The police report also indicated that the man did not smell of alcohol.

However, police found a glass pipe in his pocket with crystal residue consistent with methamphetamine.

Upon further investigation, the man turned out to be diabetic. Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One was called to assist with the man's condition. Medics stated that the man recently contacted them for a diabetic medical aid call when his blood sugar was too low.

Once he regained consciousness, the man said he was going to Crescent Valley Road and did not know why he was on Harborview Drive. The driver also told police he used the glass pipe earlier in the day to smoke meth.

Witnesses said they saw him crash his truck into a retaining wall.

The man was arrested for third-degree DWLS and cited for no proof of insurance and failing to wear a safety seat belt.

Due to the man's condition, the officer did not issue a citation for hit and run, failing to yield and resisting an officer.

Possible charges maybe added if tests return positive for methamphetamine.

Vandalism: A resident in the 6200 block of Harbor Sunset Lane reported that sometime between Oct. 12 and 13, an unknown person(s) threw pine cones and sticks onto her back porch.

Vehicle Prowl/Vandalism: On Oct. 14, the victim and his family were at the movies at Galaxy Theatre. When they returned to their car, they noticed that their GPS and cell phone were missing. The door lock had also been punched out on the driver's door.

Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance/Arrest: On Oct. 17, police arrested a 17-year-old male student at Gig Harbor High School for unlawful possession of marijuana.

DWLS/Arrest: On Oct. 17, police arrested a 32-year-old man near State Route 16 and Wollochet Drive NW for third-degree DWLS. He was also cited for no proof of insurance.

For questions about this blotter, email Gig Harbor Patch editor akiko.oda@patch.com.