Probable Intoxicated Motorcycle Rider Tips Over at Red Light, Later Flees from Deputy and Wrecks a Short Distance Away
Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Investigators responded to the scene of a one-vehicle motorcycle crash on Appleway Blvd. near Dartmouth Road Sunday evening. The rider was transported to the hospital for serious injuries, but at last check, listed in stable condition. Impairment and speed are believed to be factors in this crash.
On July 3, 2022, at approximately 8:30 pm., a Spokane Valley Deputy approached a black Dodge Ram with its passenger side door open that was stopped in the eastbound lanes of E. Appleway Blvd. at S. Dishman Mica Road.
The driver of the Dodge stated he stopped for a red light and noticed a motorcycle rider who had tipped his bike over. His passengers got out to help the rider, later identified as 58-year-old Michael R. Ruth, pick up the motorcycle (Honda GL1800) as the Deputy arrived.
The Deputy contacted Ruth and could smell a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. Ruth’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech appeared slurred. The Deputy also noticed what was believed to be a container of Fireball Whiskey. He told Ruth to put the bike on the kickstand, and instead of following directions, Ruth accelerated rapidly, fleeing the scene.
The Deputy briefly spoke to an arriving Deputy, and they both began to search for Ruth, who was no longer in sight. As they approached the area of E. Appleway Blvd. and Dartmouth Road, they found Ruth had crashed.
Ruth was unconscious and appeared to be seriously injured. Spokane Valley Fire arrived to provide medical aid, and Ruth was transported to the hospital for additional care.
Ruth regained consciousness in the ambulance, and he was listed in stable condition at last check.
Another witness stated she observed a motorcycle rider that appeared to be having issues, along with a black Dodge Ram and a Deputy, at the intersection of E. Appleway Blvd. and S. Dishman Mica Road. She kept driving east, and a few seconds later, the motorcycle flew past her, traveling at an estimated 70 mph., with no one behind him, and ran the stop light at Farr Road. After the light turned green, she continued on her way until she came around a corner, noticed the wreckage, and stopped to check on Ruth.
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Technicians were called to the scene to conduct an investigation. Speed and impairment are believed to be factors in the crash.
A check of Ruth’s driving status showed it was Suspended 3rd Degree and required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed. A search warrant to obtain a blood sample for testing was requested, granted, and collected. With Ruth needing additional care at the hospital, he was not arrested, but charges of DUI, Driving While Suspended 3rd Degree, and Failure to have an Interlock Device Installed as Required were requested.
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