A Battle Ground man who was allegedly driving drunk and racing when he caused a three-vehicle crash Sunday night on state Highway 503 made a first appearance in Clark County Superior Court on Monday. Two people were injured in the crash, according to court records.
Dacoda Nelson, 25, appeared on suspicion of vehicular assault. He was driving a silver 2004 BMW north on the highway about 3 miles north of Vancouver when he struck the back of a northbound 1994 Honda Civic at about 10:20 p.m., according to a probable cause affidavit.
The impact caused the Honda to cross the center line into oncoming traffic and collide with a southbound 2006 Scion, court records said.
Nelson told Washington State Patrol troopers that he had been drinking and was racing a Ford Mustang when he hit the Honda, the affidavit said.
Troopers said they noticed signs of impairment and a strong odor of alcohol on Nelson’s breath. Court records state that he failed a field-sobriety test.
All of the cars involved were severely damaged, according to Clark County Fire District 3, and the driver of the Scion had to be removed from the vehicle.
That driver, Evelyn Duran, 48, of Vancouver, who was identified by troopers, suffered significant cuts to her face and head, as well as a leg injury, court documents said. Troopers identified the driver of the Honda as Melody Adams, 39, of Battle Ground. She also suffered cuts to her face, the affidavit said.
Both were taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Duran was in the hospital’s intensive care unit Monday evening while Adams was treated and released, according to hospital staff.
Nelson was not injured.
During his hearing, Judge Daniel Stahnke granted Nelson supervised release. Nelson will hire his own attorney, court records show.
He is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 24.
