A Portland man made his first court appearance this morning on a vehicular assault charge after authorities say he caused a fiery crash Tuesday evening in Brush Prairie.
Travis Starks, 20, of Portland was driving a 2015 GMC Yukon south on state Highway 503 at about 5:40 p.m. when he crossed into the northbound lanes to pass traffic, according to the Washington State Patrol.
An oncoming 2015 Toyota Rav 4 driven by Igor Skobkariov swerved into the left lane, but the GMC still struck the left corner panel, WSP Trooper Will Finn said.
The GMC continued on and struck another oncoming vehicle, a Dodge Durango, driven by 29-year-old Scott Jensen of Amboy, who was unable to avoid the crash, Finn said.
The crash rendered Jensen unconscious and his vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames, Finn said.
However a Clark County sheriff’s deputy and a bystander pulled Jensen from the burning car, Finn said. He was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center where he is listed in satisfactory condition.
Starks was taken to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center for precautionary reasons and was later booked into the Clark County Jail.
He admitted to investigators that he smoked methamphetamine and marijuana earlier in the day and a drug recognition expert determined he was impaired, Finn said. Samples of Starks’ blood were obtained and will be evaluated.
Starks appeared in court Wednesday on suspicion of vehicular assault, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving without a valid driver’s license.
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeannie Bryant said that Starks stole the vehicle from a car rental facility in Portland.
Judge Robert Lewis appointed Jeff Staples to represent Starks and set his bail at $35,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 12.
