Traumatic brain injuries sustained years ago by former Clark County Judge John Wulle had a “severe impact” on his alleged drunken driving, his defense attorney said in a Tuesday phone interview.
Wulle, 65, appeared earlier in the day in Skamania County before visiting Klickitat District Court Judge Jeffrey Baker. He previously entered a not-guilty plea to DUI, a gross misdemeanor, in Clark County District Court before the change of venue.
Baker, who presides over District Court in White Salmon, was brought in on the case after Skamania District Court Judge Ron Reynier recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
The Columbian’s request to have a photographer present for Tuesday’s proceeding was denied.
Vancouver defense attorney Jon McMullen said after the hearing that Baker reviewed everything to date in the case. Wulle’s next hearing is set for 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5.
McMullen said he discussed some of Wulle’s health issues and plans to provide the court and prosecution with additional information as the case progresses. “I wanted the judge to be aware of that important fact in the case,” he said.
Wulle was arrested Aug. 28 at a Safeway supermarket in Salmon Creek after allegedly driving while intoxicated to the store and striking two vehicles.
A witness told Clark County sheriff’s deputies that she was stopped at a red light when a Toyota Solara tapped the back of her vehicle twice. She said the Toyota then pulled into the Safeway parking lot and crashed into a parked vehicle, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in District Court.
The driver of the Toyota, later identified by deputies as Wulle, allegedly climbed out of his car carrying a bottle of vodka. He walked into the Safeway, leaving his car running and still in gear, pushed against the vehicle parked in front of his, the affidavit reads.
Deputies said they located Wulle inside the Safeway at the checkout area, arguing with store employees who would not allow him to purchase alcohol. Wulle appeared to be “significantly intoxicated. He could barely stand upright without assistance,” court documents state.
Breath tests taken about two hours after the incident found that Wulle had a blood alcohol level of 0.094 and 0.088 percent, according to court records. In Washington, a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent is considered evidence of impaired driving.
Wulle served as a Superior Court judge for 12 years and before that four years as a District Court judge. He received multiple complaints about his conduct while on the bench but was also popular with many law enforcement officials. He was unseated in the 2012 primary election by David Gregerson.
