King County Assessor Investigated for Washington DUI

Scott Noble suspected of drunk driving south of Seattle.

Scott Noble, the King County Assessor, is under investigation for driving under the influence in Washington and vehicular assault. In mid-January around 2:00 am, the 58-year old allegedly caused a head-on collision on Interstate 5 near Auburn by making a u-turn and heading south in the northbound lanes. Noble and the two occupants of the other vehicle were injured and taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Witnesses say that Noble was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic prior to the accident. They then saw him pull over to the right shoulder and make a quick u-turn. Law enforcement arriving at the accident scene advised Noble that he was to be booked on suspicion of DUI in Washington and vehicular assault. Police say that Noble's identity was not immediately evident because his driver’s license uses his legal name 'Russell S. Noble'. When the prominent elected official was identified, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office turned the case over to the Washington Attorney General's office. A spokesperson for the state AG office confirmed that the office was conducting an investigation.

Noble has not answered inquiries. His Washington DUI defense lawyer has acknowledged that his client was involved in an accident and that there was an open investigation. The driver of the other vehicle said her SUV was destroyed though she said she and her passenger were lucky to be alive. They both suffered broken bones.

Noble was first elected King County assessor in 1992 and he is currently serving his fifth term. The retired Navy officer is described as having a "call 'em as I see 'em" personality. He has implemented cost-effective measures and technology improvements that have earned the Department of Assessments a positive reputation.

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