SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A motorcyclist was killed Thursday night in a collision with a car at the intersection of East Sprague Avenue and Custer Road, and the driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide.
Spokane Valley deputies responded to the crash around 9:40 p.m. Aug. 28. When the first deputy arrived, a bystander was performing CPR on the motorcycle rider. The deputy took over CPR until Spokane Valley firefighters arrived, but the rider was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Deputies contacted the driver of the Ford Mustang involved in the crash, identified as Darla M. Stoffel, 61. She sustained minor injuries and cooperated with investigators at the scene.
Due to the severity of the crash, the Spokane Valley Traffic Unit was called to investigate. Their information indicates the Mustang was traveling east on Sprague Avenue and was turning north into a parking lot when it crossed into the westbound lanes and was struck by the motorcycle, which was traveling west.
Deputies observed signs of cannabis use in the vehicle. Based on evidence and witness statements, investigators developed probable cause to believe Stoffel was under the influence at the time of the crash. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample, and Stoffel was booked into the Spokane County Jail on a charge of vehicular homicide.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased, along with the official cause and manner of death, at a later time.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the crash is asked to contact Corporal T. Miller at 509-477-3195, referencing case #10122318.
