Bellevue Prosecutors Review Patrick Hunter Incident -- Parking-Lot Collision Could Bring Dwi, Hit-Run Charges

The Bellevue prosecutor's office will review a nightclub parking-lot incident involving Patrick Hunter, Seattle Seahawk cornerback, before deciding whether to file charges in Bellevue District Court, according to spokesman Lt. Jack McDonald.

Hunter could be charged today or tomorrow with hit-and-run and driving while intoxicated in connection with the incident outside a Bellevue restaurant/nightclub early yesterday.

Hunter was cited by Bellevue police after his 1991 Nissan Pathfinder hit a Bellevue Fire Department aid car in the parking lot of Papagayo's Cantina near closing time.

McDonald said Hunter drove into a second, private vehicle after hitting the aid car, which had its lights flashing and was in the parking lot responding to an unrelated incident.

McDonald said no citation was issued in the collision of the two private vehicles because it occurred on private property.

No one was injured in either collision. Hunter's vehicle reportedly sustained about $1,000 in damage, according to the police report. The aid car apparently wasn't damaged, and no damage estimate to the other vehicle was available.

Hunter, who had a blood alcohol reading of .26 percent, according to the police report, was released to a friend. A reading of .10 percent is considered evidence of intoxication in Washington.

If charges are filed and Hunter is convicted, Hunter could face suspension for a few games under the NFL's alcohol policy.

In 1988, Hunter's car was destroyed when he drove it over a 30-foot embankment in Kirkland after a Seahawk victory. He missed eight games because of a lacerated kidney and was cited for negligent driving.

In 1990, Hunter was acquitted of two charges of fourth-degree assault against two women and two charges of intimidating a witness in a Bellevue case.

Coach Tom Flores yesterday declined comment on Hunter's latest case.

Seahawk players had yesterday off.

NOTES

-- In a conference call with the media yesterday, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said the Rick Mirer salary dispute might be solved without going to court.

"The Seahawks and Rick Mirer's representatives are interested in getting on with this and working something out," Tagliabue said. "Certainly, the Management Council and Players Association have been trying to deal with these contract issues in a constructive way that doesn't interfere with the ability of teams to get ready for the season. Within that four-part framework, it's certainly possible it could be worked out without going through the courts in Minneapolis."

U.S. District Judge David Doty is scheduled to hear the case next Tuesday.

Tagliabue disapproved more than $6 million in bonus clauses in Mirer's five-year, $15.6 million contract, but the quarterback has been allowed to continue playing.

-- As expected, the Seahawks yesterday re-signed six veterans they had released on Monday so that younger players wouldn't be exposed to waivers.

Re-signed were running back Rueben Mayes, wide receiver Robb Thomas, center Grant Feasel, tight end-deep snapper Trey Junkin, linebacker E.J. Junior, and quarterback Jeff Graham.

-- The official Seahawk injury list for Sunday's opener in San Diego: out - QB Dan McGwire (wrist) and guard Mitch Frerotte (neck); questionable - receiver Brian Blades (hamstring) and fullback Mack Strong (knee); probable - tackle Andy Heck (eye) and linebacker Rufus Porter (hamstring).