Suspected DUI crash in Stevens County injures two

A Kettle Falls man was charged with DUI after causing injuries in a two-vehicle crash in Stevens County this morning. The Washington State Patrol said Shaun M. Mercer, 48, was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his southbound pickup veered into the left lane of U.S. Highway 395 about eight miles south of Colville. Mercer struck a northbound pickup driven by William R. Dewitt, 74, of Addy, according to a release from the WSP. Mercer went off the roadway, struck a culvert and came to rest in the roadway, the WSP said. Dewitt’s vehicle went off the roadway into a northbound ditch. The crash occurred about 9 a.m. A Medstar helicopter transported Mercer to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where a spokeswoman said he was listed in serious condition Tuesday afternoon. Dewitt was taken by ambulance to Providence Mt. Carmel Hospital. His status is not yet available. Route 395 was closed for several hours as crews cleaned up the accident but is now open in both directions.