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By Brenda Starkey
Chronicle staff
REPUBLIC - Washington State Patrol Trooper A.J. Haddenham received the chief's award for professional excellence recently for his efforts after a traffic stop and ensuing altercation with William E. Kidwell last Sept. 13.
The award goes to employees who perform specific or sustained acts of outstanding service and it generally recognizes distinct instances of high-level performance, a Washington State Patrol spokesman said.
Haddenham received a chipped tooth, strained shoulder and knee, and was exposed to the suspect's blood, according to court documents that charged Kidwell with DUI and assault following the incident.
Haddenham was westbound on state Highway 20 when he saw a pickup truck heading east at well over the posted 45 mph speed limit, court documents said.
The trooper turned his vehicle around and overtook the pickup, which was traveling 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and swerving back and forth across the fog and center lines, court documents say.
Haddenham stopped the pickup at the entrance to the fairgrounds, where it skidded about four feet to a stop, documents said.
Kidwell agreed to take field sobriety tests, and stumbled a couple times when exiting his vehicle.
The trooper then determined Kidwell was too impaired to understand his instructions and to perform the tests safely, so he told Kidwell he was under arrest.
Kidwell then turned to let the trooper handcuff him, but apparently changed his mind and a struggle ensued, court documents alleged.
Kidwell, who had no prior criminal record, was later sentenced to 30 days in jail and 12 months probation after pleading guilty to reduced charges of third-degree assault and first-degree negligent driving in Ferry County Superior Court.
A subsequent investigation of the incident determined that Haddenham would have been justified in using lethal force.
Republic Police Chief Bret Roberts also received a letter of appreciation for providing backup after he learned of the incident.
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