A police officer had to apply a tourniquet to the leg of a pedestrian struck by a suspected DUI driver on the Chehalis River Bridge early Saturday morning, the driver was arrested on investigation of vehicular assault charges. Commander Dale Green with the Aberdeen Police Department said an officer witnessed the wreck around 1:32 a.m. Saturday. A red sport utility vehicle was driving north on Scott street approaching the bridge from South Aberdeen.

The report said the SUV suddenly veered east and drove onto the sidewalk at the east side of the road near the dike, striking the concrete barricade. The vehicle continued back on the road and struck the east side of the bridge moments later, coming to a rest.

The officer activated his emergency lights and observed a male pedestrian on the ground where the initial impact occurred. The officer immediately started first aid, applying a tourniquet to his leg as it had sustained catastrophic injuries from being struck by the SUV. The pedestrian was transported to Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital by Aberdeen Fire

Department Paramedics.

Green said officers detected a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the striking vehicle. The driver, a 25 year-old Hoquiam resident, exhibited the effects of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for vehicular assault, police said. A 20-year-old passenger was also transported to HRH Community Hospital by the Aberdeen Fire Department.

The Aberdeen Police Department Collision Investigation Team responded to process the crime scene along with the Grays Harbor FARO Scanner unit.