Judge orders mental evaluation for Walla Walla man allegedly involved in pursuit

WALLA WALLA — A 74-year-old man arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit from Oregon into Washington was ordered held on $25,000 bail Friday as officials raised concerns regarding his mental competency.

William Gordon Kinzer, of Walla Walla, appeared in Walla Walla County Superior Court following his Wednesday arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and eluding police.

Authorities said the cross-state pursuit began Wednesday afternoon in Oregon when troopers attempted to stop Kinzer’s Jeep Cherokee for reckless driving. Kinzer fled at speeds reaching 95 miles per hour before driving into Washington, where officers eventually took him into custody after his vehicle became stuck in Jefferson Park in Walla Walla.

During Thursday’s hearing, Judge Patricia Fulton ordered a competency evaluation after Kinzer made several disjointed statements in court.

“It is pretty clear to me that Mr. Kinzer is having some significant mental health issues,” Fulton said.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Buerstatte requested $50,000 bail, citing safety concerns over the lengthy pursuit. Buerstatte noted Kinzer had multiple prior district court cases dismissed between 2023 and 2025 following findings of incompetency.

Court-appointed defense attorney Julie Carlson Straube advocated for a lower bail amount, arguing Kinzer is elderly, not a flight risk, and regularly maintains contact with counsel.

Fulton set bail at $25,000 with a 10 percent cash option, ordered Kinzer not to drive, and scheduled a review hearing for Sept. 9.

Photo of police arresting Kinzer (seen face down in grass) courtesy Derek Tall

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Elkhorn Media Group