The article was written from the information in the deputy's report of the incident. A Superior Court judge found himself detained and then arrested after a routine traffic stop. On February 12, at 9:37 p.m., a Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a routine stop along Wynooche Valley Road in Montesano. The deputy noticed a red truck parked with its lights off in an area not typically used for parking. The deputy approached the vehicle to conduct a welfare check on the occupant.
Upon inspection, the driver was identified as David Mistachkin, a Grays Harbor County Judge, whose physical appearance suggested possible intoxication. The smell of alcohol was noticeable, and his eyes appeared bloodshot and watery. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the deputy called for assistance. An Officer in Command (OIC) showed up at the stop along with the Montesano PD.
The deputy informed Mistachkin of his detention, asking him to turn off his truck and to hand over the keys, which he did, though with objections and denying intoxication. Mistachkin also declined voluntary sobriety tests, insisting on his sobriety. The deputy then handcuffed him, read him his miranda rights, and transported him to the Grays Harbor County Jail.
Before leaving, at Mistachkin's request, the deputy secured the truck and noticed an open container of alcohol inside. At the jail, Mistachkin was processed by the county with the Washington State Patrol's assistance.
Mistachkin provided two breath samples of .018 and .017 which is well below the DUI limit. Throughout the processing, the deputy said that Mistachkin was confrontational, and at one point, his lawyer had to “physically hold him back” or restrain him. Judge David Mistachkin is one of three Superior Court Judges that preside at the Grays Harbor County courthouse. --------------------- Redactions & Edits Redacted the word "allegedly" Added at the top of the article "The article was written from the information in the deputy's report of the incident."