State trooper suspected of driving drunk and attempted cover-up

KOMO-TV STAFF

A veteran sergeant with the Washington State Patrol is accused of driving under the influence, then trying to get the help of a rookie trooper to cover it up.

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

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

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

Suspecting Clark was intoxicated, the young trooper called for backup.

Clark passed a breathalyzer test, but failed a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest.

The State Patrol said Clark's actions imply he wanted to cover up the fact he may have been drunk driving. The 22-year-old rookie had a tough decision to make, but ultimately decided to call in backup, officials said.

"Faced with a precarious situation of 'what do I do here with my sergeant that's called me to help?' he did the right thing reporting the potential misconduct," said Berry.

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