Accused drunk driver given sedative against his will so investigators could draw blood



BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — A drunken driving suspect was given a sedative against his wishes to stop him from fighting a blood draw police wanted for a fatality investigation in Everson.

Brian Jeffery Smith is charged with vehicular homicide in the Dec. 5 death of 38-year-old Jason Lyle "Bone" Schuyleman who was riding a motorcycle when he collided with Smith's SUV.

The Bellingham Herald reports the 31-year-old Everson man told a trooper he had not been drinking. The trooper asked for a breath test.

Charging papers say that indicated a blood alcohol content of .145 percent, well above the state .08 limit.

Smith was arrested and taken to a hospital for a blood draw. He refused and fought back.

A doctor said he needed to be sedated or someone would be hurt.

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Information from: The Bellingham Herald.