A 17-year-old suspect who has been accused of causing a crash and killing a U.S. Army veteran while driving under the influence (DUI) was released on Tuesday by a court in Bellevue, Washington.
According to KOMO News, Bellevue law enforcement officials are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of 28-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bray Tomaszewski on Monday. A 17-year-old driver involved in the accident was arrested for a suspected DUI and vehicular homicide. Police officials noted that the 17-year-old admitted to vaping but did not know what substance he was using.
Bellevue Police Department Officer Seth Tyler told KOMO News, “We are still investigating this crash, but what it does appear is that a juvenile driver was making a turn at that location, did not see the motorcycle, and unfortunately, there was the collision.” Tyler added that DUIs “happen far too often” and are “completely preventable.”
During a Tuesday court hearing, King County prosecutors argued that there was probable cause for vehicular homicide, according to KOMO News. However, the court determined there was not enough evidence to prove that the 17-year-old suspect was high while driving. As a result, the suspect was released from custody.
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The suspect’s defense attorney argued that “tragic accidents happen all the time without being criminal” and that prosecutors did not have any “indication of any driving that was reckless” or “impacted by consumption of controlled substance.”
Ruling in favor of releasing the suspect, Judge Veronica Galvan said, “Vaping an unknown substance, we have no idea if this was a substance that leads to intoxication, and there’s no evidence contained here. At this time, based on information the court has, the court does not find there is probable cause for the crime of vehicular homicide.”
KOMO News reported that the Bellevue Police Department is sending a blood test of the 17-year-old to the State Patrol Crime Lab; however, the final results could take days. A full report from the Bellevue Police investigation could lead to additional charges against the 17-year-old at a later date.
According to KOMO news, Tomaszewski leaves behind his wife and four-year-old daughter.
In a statement obtained by KOMO News, Lt. Col. David Sherck, Seattle Army Recruiting Battalion commander, said, “SSG Bryan Tomaszewski was a bright, talented, and charismatic young man with an infectious positivity and an incredibly bright future cut short. His tragic and sudden loss has left a deep hole in the Trailblazer Battalion, in the Army, and most importantly, with his family.”
Pictures of Tomaszewki have been shared on X, formerly Twitter.
