Sequim Gazette staff
Washington State Patrol reports that results from a blood-alcohol test for Sequim deputy mayor Dennis Smith came to 0.26, more than three times the legal limit, following a Dec. 14 fender bender and DUI arrest.
Smith, 68, confirmed the report and currently is seeking deferred prosecution with weekly court appearances in Clallam County District Court. He also is voluntarily attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, receiving outpatient treatment for two years and he installed an ignition interlock in his vehicle.
“I admit it was a mistake to do,” Smith said. “It’s kind of an emotional time for me. It’s (drinking) been a problem for several years. I thought I had it licked.”
On Dec. 14, Smith said he was driving home by himself from a family get-together in Centralia before he rear-ended a sport utility vehicle in front of him at the Sequim-Dungeness Way and Port Williams Road roundabout.
Smith and the other driver were uninjured in the collision and declined medical attention.
Sequim Police officer Stephanie Benes reported to the scene and detected the odor of intoxicants and arrested Smith for driving under the influence.
Smith was taken to the Sequim Police Department where he was booked through the Washington State Patrol. Sequim Police Chief Bill Dickinson previously said Sequim Police could have processed the case but they didn’t want there to be any appearance of a conflict of interest.
A Washington State Patrol trooper took Smith to Olympic Medical Center for a blood draw to test his blood-alcohol level and booked him into Clallam County Jail later that night. He was released Monday morning.
Smith voluntarily gave a breathalyzer which came up 0.28, State Patrol reports. A half-bottle of vodka also was found in his sport utility vehicle.
Smith said the incident is a one-time thing.
“I’m really, really sorry,” he said. “I’m thankful everyday no one was seriously hurt.”
City Attorney Craig Ritchie said city council bylaws allow Smith to continue serving on the council and Smith said he plans to continue serving on the city council. Smith, who retired from the U.S. Air Force, was appointed to the Sequim City Council on Oct. 8, 2012, and was elected to his position in 2013. Fellow city councilors elected him deputy mayor earlier this year.
