A Chehalis man has pleaded not guilty to allegations he was driving drunk on state Route 6 on Jan. 15 and kicked an officer who tried to arrest him.
The defendant, Phoenix Rose Cavalier, 44, was arrested after he reportedly failed a field sobriety test and gave a breathalyzer sample that showed an alcohol content of 0.187, which is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.
A deputy with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office had pulled Cavalier over for speeding 55 mph in a 35 mph zone, according to documents filed in Lewis County Superior Court.
Cavalier reportedly showed signs of impairment and when questioned by the deputy, he allegedly “admitted to drinking two beers within the prior 20 minutes,” according to court documents.
When told he was under arrest for driving under the influence, Cavalier allegedly “began to pull away and a struggle ensued,” culminating in Cavalier allegedly kicking an officer in the hand.
“As a result of the kick, (the officer’s) hand sustained an injury that drew blood,” according to court documents. Cavalier was ultimately arrested and a blood draw was taken, the results of which were pending when the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges of third-degree assault, driving under the influence, obstructing a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest on Jan. 31.
Cavalier was released from custody before the charges were filed and was issued a summons notice for a Feb. 22 preliminary hearing, which he was present for.
A judge ruled Wednesday to allow Cavalier to remain out of custody on his own personal recognizance for the duration of his case so long as he follows his conditions of release, which include not consuming alcohol.
His case is scheduled to go to trial on May 8.
