FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — The state of Washington wants to reduce a major blood test backlog that is holding up some suspected DUI cases. Law enforcement says a new $4.5 million toxicology lab will help.
At the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, they say it is taking more than a year to get toxicology results back.
As Chair of the Felony Traffic Unit, Amy Freedheim prosecutes suspected vehicular homicide cases in King County. She says there has been an increase in traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers.
As the number of cases climbed, the Washington State Patrol's toxicology lab that processes crucial evidence fell behind.
"We are still dealing with the backlog, as a result of the pandemic,” said WSP Chief John Batiste.
"Many cases, felony cases, we see delays in filing because we're waiting for the toxicology,” said Freedheim.
According to the State Patrol, in 2017, the crime lab was able to process blood evidence in driving under the influence cases in less than 30 days. In 2023, the average wait time is 343 days.
"It's been frustrating for all of us because we wait and we wait,” said Freedheim.
In Federal Way, a new toxicology lab brings new hope.
"This is an important piece of the puzzle,” said Chief Batiste.
In the facility, they will hire and train new forensic scientists.
"We're all excited for the toxicology lab,” said Freedheim.
According to the state patrol, the turnaround time for toxicology results used to be 60 to 90 days, and they expect the new lab to help get results back in that time range.
WSP is on track to receive 17,000 case submissions this year. That is a 13 percent increase from 2022.