SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash.-- The man who witnessed the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan allegedly driving drunk shared what he saw with KREM 2 News.
Witnessed helped authorities track down Spokane native Ryan Crocker, 63, following an August 14th wreck in Spokane Valley. Drivers called 911 to report the two car crash near Sprague and Pines Road.
According to troopers with the Washington State Patrol, Crocker drove northbound on Pines Road in the left-hand lane at Sprague Avenue. Crocker attempted to turn right from the left hand lane and collided with a semi-truck around 2:06 p.m.
Crocker’s 2009 Ford Mustang spun out after the collision. Witnesses told troopers that Crocker regained control and continued eastbound on Sprague.
A witness followed Crocker to the Washington Trust Bank on North Sullivan. Law enforcement officers arrested Crocker at the bank around 2:49 p.m.
“He wasn’t walking like a normal person. He was just having trouble walking,” said one witness.
A State Trooper conducted a field breath test where Crocker’s Blood Alcohol Content was recorded as a .160 and .152. Officials take two samples to equal one valid test.
Crocker’s Mustang suffered substantial damage, including at least one flat tire. The semi-truck suffered minor damages. No injuries were reported.
The witness told KREM 2 News that he respect’s Crocker despite the wreck.
“If I lived five lifetimes, I couldn't do what he's done for this country in 30 years,” said the witness.
However, the man who followed Crocker does not want the former diplomat to receive any special treatment in court. The witness believes it’s everyone should own up to their actions.
Spokane County District Court documents show that Crocker entered a not guilty plea on August 15th. He returns to court on September 12th at 1:30 p.m.
Crocker became the civilian face of America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan over two administrations. He stepped down as ambassador to Afghanistan and retired from the U.S. Foreign Service after a storied tenure in some of the world's most dangerous hotspots.
