A prominent hotel owner has been once again arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to local sources. Phil Lovingfoss has been arrested by Washington authorities for DUI charges in the past, with this incident being the latest. He is believed to have been under the influence of prescription medication at the time of his arrest.
The police report states that authorities arrested the 50-year-old man after a two-car accident around 1:00 p.m. Thankfully, no one was injured in the crash, but a spokesperson from the Washington State Police said the man appeared incoherent when officers approached him. He is said to have continually fallen asleep and was unable to converse effectively with officers on the scene.
The man apparently later told police that he had taken prescription medication prior to entering the vehicle and that he was on his way to a dental appointment. This citation comes on the heels of a DUI citation from March of this year, which Lovingfoss was due to be sentenced for within a week of his latest arrest. Doctors have taken blood samples from the man and are currently awaiting the results of the sample from a toxicology lab.
Lovingfoss is apparently claiming diminished mental capacity as a defense, but his track record with Washington courts could weigh against him as he goes to court to defend himself against the latest DUI charges. Defense may wish to review the facts of the man’s arrest to ensure his rights were respected throughout the process. They may also wish to ensure that Lovingfoss is not unfairly treated as a result of his earlier charges.
Source: tdn.com, “Hotel owner Phil Lovingfoss face another DUI“, Andre Stepankowsky, Dec. 18, 2015