We have seen our share of bizarre DUI and car crash stories in Washington State, but suffice it to say, not many of them have involved hamsters. One woman was recently discovered by police with a hamster in her lap, and it was the hamster who tried to evade arrest.

The Seattle Times reports that a woman was stopped by three police in the Portland suburb of Beaverton last week, on suspicion of DUI. The woman, 27-year-old Nicole Huey, was found with a pet hamster on her lap. While questioned by police, she placed the hamster on her dash, and it quickly scampered off.

Huey told police that she had no one to come and claim the hamster, so they should “just kill it.” Police instead promised to take the animal to a safe location. Office Mike Rowe recounted on the department's Facebook page that "it took three officers to capture the furry little passenger," but the animal was ultimately caught and transported in an evidence tube to an emergency veterinary clinic. Huey later reclaimed her pet.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is an extremely dangerous exercise on its own, and pets can create an even more dangerous situation by posing an additional distraction. One local woman recently died after causing a collision with her Chihuahua in her lap, and police believe that the added distraction may have likely contributed to the crash.

Always practice safe driving when on the road. It only takes a momentary distraction to alter your (or someone else's) life forever, so never get behind the wheel when you have had too much to drink and never have your attention from the road distracted.

If you have been charged with a DUI, know that you have a right to experienced legal representation regardless of the circumstances. You cannot navigate through the legal system on your own, so contact a qualified Washington State DUI attorney to help you fight your case. At Wolff Criminal Defense, we limit our practice to defending people accused of DUI.

Contact us today at 425-284-2000 for a consultation. We'll listen to you and your concerns and explain the legal process as well as your options. Washington State DUI is no trivial matter: it can carry jail time, excessive fines, car impoundment, license suspension and more. Call us today or visit us at WolffCriminalDefense.com.