Dayton man pleads not guilty to charges after nearly causing crash

By Dan Thesman on Thursday, March 6th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

COLUMBIA COUNTY – William Francis Kigerl Jr., 78, of Dayton, Washington, pleaded not guilty Wednesday afternoon in Columbia County Superior Court to charges of third-degree assault, driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and disarming a law enforcement officer.

Kigerl was arrested Feb. 20 after nearly causing a head-on crash with an off-duty deputy from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office just before 7 p.m.

Deputies followed Kigerl to a local bar where they contacted him to conduct a traffic investigation and ask him about alcohol consumption. The arrest information sheet mentions Kigerl appeared to be intoxicated and used expletive language when the deputies asked him to perform a series of voluntary standardized field sobriety tests.

When told he was under arrest, Kigerl failed to comply and attempted to bite one of the deputy’s arms while being taken into custody. He also tried to grab a deputy’s firearm. Kigerl was released on his own recognizance following his first court appearance last month. He will be back in court for another hearing on April 9.