Tawresey named in earlier hit-and-run accident

Bainbridge Island School Board Director John Tawresey was involved in a prior hit-and-run accident before his arrest last week for DUI and hit-and-run, according to records released Tuesday by the Bainbridge Island Police Department.

The crash occurred approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10 in the Pavilion parking lot on Madison Avenue. It was reported later that night by a resident on Forest Glade Lane, who said his 2001 Honda had been hit by a truck an hour earlier. A witness said she saw Tawresey's truck strike the Honda, and the witness left a note on the Honda that said she had seen the accident.

An officer contacted Tawresey, who told police "he did not believe he hit anything, although he said he 'heard something' as he drove out of the parking lot," according to an investigation report on the incident.

Police found very minor damage to Tawresey's 2005 Ford F350 pickup truck. Paint that matched both vehicles was found on both Tawresey's Ford and the Honda.

Tawresey could not be reached for comment early Tuesday.

Tawresey, 67, was arrested last week for an alleged hit-and-run and driving under the influence of alcohol after bystanders called police after he allegedly struck another vehicle near San Carlos Restaurant on Madison Avenue.

Bainbridge Island School District officials said Monday that Tawresey had requested a leave of absence from the school board.

 

 

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