The 1989 Ford Bronco that hit a tree overnight has been impounded. / Courtesy photo from the Washington State Patrol
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A Centralia teenager is dead after after a Ford Bronco crashed into a tree in the Capitol Forest overnight.
Michael A. Conine, 17, died and three 17-year-old boys from Rochester were injured and treated at the scene two miles west of Bordeaux Road on a road known as the D-line, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Troopers were called about 2:30 a.m. today to the single-vehicle collision north of Rochester and west of Littlerock. Devin J. Faulconer was driving west when his Bronco left the road striking several trees, according to the state patrol.
The cause is under investigation but the state patrol alcohol reports was a factor.
The other passengers are listed as Richard Strauss and Blake A. Markva. One sustained minor injuries and the other serious injuries, according to Trooper Brandy Kessler. All four were reportedly wearing seatbelts.
The driver was arrested this morning for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault and booked into the juvenile detention center in Thurston County, according to Kessler.
The 1989 Ford Bronco was described as totaled. It was impounded by the Washington State Patrol.
Kessler called the accident a devastating reminder for teens not to drink and drive, especially with homecoming season coming up.
“Unfortunately this time the result will change many lives forever,” Kessler wrote in a news release.
The state patrol operates with zero tolerance on underage drinking and driving, according to Kessler.
If an individual under 21 is found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, no matter what level, they will be arrested for DUI and minor in possession of alcohol, she wrote.
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This news story was updated at 1:25 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 26, 2010
A Centralia teenager died and three teenage boys were injured when a Ford Bronco crashed overnight. / Courtesy photo from the Washington State Patrol
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter