Suspected Impaired Driver Arrested Following a One-Vehicle Serious Injury Crash on N. Boston Road, Passenger in Critical Condition
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit Investigators continue the investigation into a single-vehicle rollover crash on N. Boston Road. The adult male passenger of the vehicle received life-threatening injuries and, at last check, remained hospitalized in critical condition. The adult male driver believed to be impaired, was arrested and booked into jail after he was medically cleared.
On June 14, 2025, at approximately 5:30 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one-vehicle, unknown injury, rollover crash in the 18500 block of N. Boston Road. Additional information indicated occupants were trapped inside, and the vehicle was possibly on fire.
Arriving Deputies observed a white 4Runner on its side and extensively damaged. They also observed an empty alcohol bottle on the ground outside of the vehicle and later found a half-empty liquor bottle inside.
Spokane County Fire District 9 Firefighters provided medical aid and removed the trapped adult male passenger from the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital for injuries that appeared to be life-threatening. As of today, he remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Witnesses stated the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Stephen M. Schwabe, was traveling north on Boston Road at a speed they estimated to be 50-70 mph (posted 35 mph zone).
Deputies noted the vehicle also struck a power pole, causing power lines to hang across Boston Road.
Initial information indicated the 4Runner, driven by Schwabe, was traveling north on Boston when he left the roadway and went onto the shoulder. The vehicle came back onto the roadway, crossed over the southbound lanes, and onto the southbound shoulder before hitting a fence and a power pole. It became airborne, then rolled and came to rest on its side between two trees.
Schwabe, who was combative with first responders, appeared confused and slurred his words when he spoke. He was advised he was under arrest and had to be secured on a gurney. Due to the exigent circumstances, a blood sample was collected for later testing.
Schwabe was transported to the hospital for further care. Deputies also received a search warrant to collect an additional blood sample at the hospital.
Due to the seriousness of this incident, the possible life-threatening injuries to the passenger, and the belief Schwabe was impaired at the time of the crash, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit Investigators responded to continue the investigation.
After being medically cleared, Schwabe was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Vehicular Assault, a felony.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Schwabe appeared in Spokane County Superior Court, where Superior Court Commissioner E. Cruz ordered that Schwabe be released on his own recognizance.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Suspected Impaired Driver Arrested Following a One-Vehicle Serious Injury Crash" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7