A Kelso man accused of driving while under the influence of meth in Lewis County in July 2023 was charged Tuesday with a felony DUI.
The charge was filed in Lewis County Superior Court after toxicology testing of the defendant’s blood showed that he had amphetamine, meth, THC and bromazolam in his system at the time, according to charging documents.
Caleb Roman Richey, 37, was pulled over by a Washington State Patrol trooper on the southbound Interstate 5 Exit 77 off-ramp in Lewis County on July 7, 2023, after the trooper reportedly saw Richey’s vehicle enter the intersection on a red light, slam on the brakes and slide to a stop in the middle of the intersection, according to court documents.
Richey reportedly showed signs of impairment, including flushed cheeks and neck, profuse sweating and constricted pupils, according to court documents.
A check of Richey’s license through the Washington State Patrol found that Richey’s license had been suspended and he had a non-extraditable warrant from another state for dangerous drugs, according to court documents.
Richey was taken into custody for DUI after he declined to speak to the trooper and declined a voluntary field sobriety test. The trooper obtained a warrant for Richey’s blood, which was drawn and submitted to the Seattle Toxicology Laboratory, according to court documents. Richey was then released.
He was issued a summons notice Feb. 3, 2024, for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, which he was present for.
A judge ruled Wednesday to allow Richey to remain out of custody on his own personal recognizance for the duration of his case.
His conditions of release include provisions prohibiting him from driving without a valid ID and insurance, possessing any alcohol or drugs and being in an establishment with alcohol.
Arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 13.
