SEATTLE, Wash. — KIRO 7 exclusive video shows Tory Long, of Everett, driving along I-5 north on July 10 despite being ordered off the road after a DUI charge last December.
In that case, Long is charged with driving drunk and leading police on a nearly 100-mph chase before slamming into the State Route 529 Bridge to Marysville, striking the structure in four places.
The bridge was closed for four days, creating gridlock and confusion in the area between Everett and Marysville.
Deputies called Long "flippant" and "snarky" during her DUI stop. According to records she told investigators on the night of her arrest, "I'm not going to lie to you, I'm drunk...duh."
When authorities asked her for her license and insurance Long reportedly said, "I don't have a license, why would I need insurance?"
>>> KIRO 7 reporter Amy Clancy is speaking with Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe about this case. Watch KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Tuesday at 5 p.m. for details.
Searching through Long's extensive criminal history, which includes a prison sentence for burglary and meth possession, we found she has been convicted for driving without a license four times since 1995.
Deputies said she hasn't had a valid license since at least 2006.
KIRO 7 Investigators also obtained the actual repair cost from the Washington State Department of Transportation which is three times more than the department's initial estimate. The final bill to fix the bridge totaled $115,000.
WSDOT is taking action against Long and the owner of the SUV she was driving that night. If Long or the SUV owner doesn't pay, WSDOT can put the bill in collections and report them to the Department of Licensing, which can suspend a person's license until a debt is paid.
But our investigation shows nothing is keeping Long off the road. She has no license or insurance and has a pending felony eluding charge along with a DUI, yet, she continues to drive.
On a recent sunny afternoon, we found Long cruising along the freeway, driving the speed limit and staying in her lane with one arm casually holding the wheel.
Given the charges against her we called 911 to report she was driving illegally.
Troopers cited her for driving without a license, a misdemeanor.
Prosecutors tell us the latest charge could affect her DUI case.
KIRO
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