WSP: Trooper drove drunk, tried to cover it up

SEATTLE – A veteran sergeant with the Washington State Patrol is accused of driving under the influence, then calling a rookie trooper for help after he drove off the road.

State police investigators said Sergeant Coy Clark was off duty early Saturday when he drove his car off the road in Puyallup along Canyon Road near 104th Street.

They said Clark, a 21-year veteran of the force, then called his rookie trooper on duty.

"He called an on-duty trooper that works for him to respond, and assist him," said Captain Jason Berry. "And upon the trooper getting there, he got indications the off-duty sergeant may be possibly DUI."

Suspecting Clark was intoxicated, the 22-year-old rookie called for backup. Clark passed a breathalyzer test. However, those at the scene said he failed a field sobriety test and so was placed under arrest.

Berry said Clark's actions imply he wanted to cover up the fact he may have been drunk driving. "Faced with a precarious situation of 'What do I do here with my sergeant that's called me to help?' [the rookie] did the right thing reporting the potential misconduct," Berry said.

Clark has been placed on paid administrative leave. His case has been forwarded to the Pierce County prosecutor's office.