Michael HInton is assisted from his vehicle by Orcas Fire Department paramedics. Photo by Lee Pollard.
Contributed by Brodie Miller
At 11:05 a.m. on September 16, a burgundy pickup truck with tinted windows was heading west on Enchanted Forest Road when it swerved to the right and plowed into the mailboxes of the four nearby residents.
The truck then hit a telephone pedestal and overturned. Nearby resident Paul Pollard heard the crash and was the first to talk to the driver. The driver, Michael Hinton, was conscious but pinned against the seat by the airbag.
Hinton told Pollard that he didn’t think he was hurt. Pollard called 911. Fire fighters arrived with paramedics and a fire truck shortly afterwards. Paramedics helped Hinton slide out of the cab and he was transported on a stretcher to the waiting ambulance where he was treated for minor cuts. The engine in Hinton’s truck had been destroyed and was smoking. When it was turned over with a tow truck, it became apparent that the right side had been smashed in.
Deputy Sheriff Jeff Paterson reported to the accident, and Hinton was taken to the Sheriff’s office to be processed.
He was charged with DUI.
