Passenger Dies After Saturday’s Early Morning Crash
Investigators Requesting Amended Charges of Vehicular Homicide
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit Investigators continue to investigate a one-vehicle crash that led to the adult female passenger (victim) sustaining life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to the hospital, where she, unfortunately, died from her injuries Sunday evening. The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene, charged with Vehicular Assault. With the death of the victim, Investigators have requested the charge be amended to Vehicular Homicide. Impairment is believed to be a factor in this fatal crash.
On March 6, 2021, just after 3:00 am., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported blue GMC Yukon that drove off the road in the 200 block of N. Government Way. The caller stated a female was still inside the vehicle, and she was unresponsive.
Arriving Deputies arrived at the location and began life-saving efforts, including CPR for the female victim, until Fire and AMR personnel arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Other Deputies contacted the callers and a male later identified as the driver of the Yukon, 39-year-old Christopher E. Dodson, standing on the side of the road.
Dodson was yelling he saw the “driver” run north on Government Way. As the Deputy spoke to Dodson, he noticed Dodson was limping and swayed back and forth as he walked. He gave a statement explaining he was walking to Airway Heights when he witnessed the SUV crash. He ran after the driver and yelled for him to stop before going back to the wrecked vehicle to check on the female passenger. When he couldn’t get her to respond, he ran back up to the road and waved down a passing car, asking the driver to call 911.
During this conversation, the Deputy noticed Dodson’s hands were bleeding, and there appeared to be tiny shards of broken glass on his pants and sweatshirt.
A check of Dodson’s name revealed he had an active misdemeanor DUI warrant for his arrest, and his driving privileges were suspended. He declined medical attention and, soon after, was arrested for the warrant.
Dodson was later identified as the driver of the Yukon at the time of the crash. Keys that appeared to belong to the SUV were found in his pocket. Deputies also observed several indicators which led them to believe Dodson was impaired. Through the investigation, probable cause was established to charge Dodson with Vehicular Assault and Driving While Suspended.
Spokane County Traffic Unit Investigators responded to the scene to continue the investigation.
Dodson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on his misdemeanor warrant and new charges of Vehicular Assault and Driving While Suspended.
On the evening of March 7, 2021, Investigators were notified the victim succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Due to this information, Investigators requested to have Dodson’s charges amended to Vehicular Homicide.
The investigation into this incident continues. Anyone with information regarding this incident, or the hours leading up to the fatal crash, is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10027530.
