SPOKANE-- Two Spokane bars have been cited by the Washington State Liquor Control Board in connection withan investigation into a wrong-way fatal crash on eastbound Interstate 90 last year.
Washington State Patrol troopers say on December 17, 2009, Sterling Krueger, 22, was going west on eastbound I-90, and drove onto the on-rampfor Highway 2,where he crashedhead-on into a car, killing Trina Erickson, 47, James Bolton, 61, and himself.
Wednesday, state officials cited The BLVD at 230 W. Riverside, and The Lion's Lair at 205 W. Riverside, both in Downtown Spokane, in connection with the crash. Officials say Krueger was at both those bars the night of the crash, and was over-served.
Fast Eddie's, at 1 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard, was not cited in the investigation, though officials believe Krueger was also there the night of the crash.
State officials recommended The BLVD's liquor license be suspended for 30 days, and that the Lion's Lair either serve a 5-day liquor license suspension, or pay at $5,000 fine.
This is the BLVD's third similar violation in three years. This is the first violation of this type for the Lion's Lair within two years.
Both businesses have 20 days to determine whether to accept the penalty, request an informal hearing with a Liquor ControlBoard officer, or request a formal hearing with a judge.
