The driver of a sedan arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol Monday after his car flipped and caught fire in the Phantom Lake area.
The 20-year-old Seattle man was driving his 2000 BMW westbound on the 16200 block of Phantom Way at a high rate of speed when he lost control, flipped the vehicle and struck an oak tree on the north side of the road. Witnesses helped the driver escape the car before it became engulfed in flames.
Once out of the car, witnesses noticed the driver appeared to be under the influence. Concerned that the driver might flee the scene, witnesses detained him until police and fire units arrived. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
The driver was transported to Overlake Hospital Medical Center with a head injury and broken nose. He was later arrested for driving under the influence. His 2000 BMW is a total loss. The 20 year old was released at the hospital pending results of a blood test. No other vehicles were involved.
“Considering the violent nature of the crash, and that the driver only sustained fairly minor injuries, was amazing,” said Traffic Lieutenant Marcia Harnden.
This is the second DUI crash at the same location in the past 12 months, police said. In 2011 there have been 135 DUI arrests compared to last year’s 109.