SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A 70-year-old man with a history of drunk driving was sentenced to nine months in jail Thursday for striking a 6-year-old boy with his vehicle while driving under the influence.
John E. Lassey pleaded guilty to vehicular assault in Spokane Superior Court and received the maximum allowable sentence of nine months in jail followed by 12 months of community custody.
On Aug. 5, 2025, Lassey was driving on Calvin Road when he struck a parked vehicle, drove through grass, then crossed onto the sidewalk and hit the boy riding his bicycle. He continued driving until crashing into a house.
Blood test results showed Lassey’s blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. The young victim suffered serious injuries and continues receiving medical treatment.
Judge Michelle Szambelan imposed the maximum sentence, noting that Lassey’s history of drunk driving puts the public at risk. Lassey has three prior DUI convictions that could not be considered due to their age.
The judge commended the boy’s parents, who offered Lassey forgiveness during their victim impact statement, praising their “enormous capacity for grace and compassion.”
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