The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a two-vehicle injury collision in the 4900 block of West Government Way. The front passenger received substantial injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The driver was believed to have been impaired. The driver received minor injuries and was booked into jail for Vehicular Assault. A third passenger and the driver of a second vehicle received minor injuries.

Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a collision in the 4900 block of West Government Way around 1:10 a.m. on December 27, 2023. Deputies and Washington State Patrol Troopers reached the scene and contacted three occupants of a Subaru Legacy as well as a sole occupant of the Ford Escort. The driver of the Subaru was later identified as 26-year-old John L. Swinger. The front passenger’s injuries were severe but not believed to be life-threatening.

Due to the extent of the injuries, Traffic Unit Investigators responded to the scene to investigate. Detectives developed probable cause to suspect Swinger was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. A search warrant was obtained for a sample of his blood. Swinger is also being held on unrelated charges of Forgery, ID Theft 2nd Degree, Theft 2nd Degree, and Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree. His bond is set at $60,000.