Driver with BAC of 0.170 faces $200,000 bond after killing teen

Chris Emory, 29, was arrested for vehicular homicide and had a bond of $200,000 set following the death of a 16-year-old football player in Federal Way. Emory was driving a Ford F-150 with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.170, well above the state legal limit of 0.08.

The accident occurred at 10:48 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at the intersection of Pacific Highway South and South 304th Street. Emory was traveling northbound in the westbound turn lane. A flashing yellow light was active at the intersection when he initiated a left-hand turn.

Charging documents state that a Lexus traveling southbound had a green light. Emory failed to yield to the Lexus, resulting in a collision. The impact caused the Lexus to strike DeeJay Tuiasosopo, who was standing on the sidewalk. Tuiasosopo was thrown dozens of feet across the parking lot of the Marathon gas station at 30405 Pacific Hwy S.

Tuiasosopo had just finished a football game for the Federal Way Eagles. The team defeated White River in a late-season contest earlier that evening. Police officers and fire personnel responded to the scene and provided aid, but Tuiasosopo died at the location, according to police.

Emory and the driver of the Lexus remained at the scene. Officers suspected Emory of driving under the influence and arrested him. His preliminary breath test at 11:16 p.m. recorded a reading of 0.170. A subsequent blood alcohol test at the Federal Way police department at 1:38 a.m. confirmed a BAC of 0.124. Both figures exceed the legal threshold in Washington state.

The Tuiasosopo family established a memorial at the Marathon gas station where flowers, photos, and Tuiasosopo's favorite snacks are displayed. The family released a statement on Facebook acknowledging the loss of their son, brother, nephew, and cousin. They asked the public to respect their privacy and direct all communication to Kathlye, who is coordinating on behalf of the family.

The family also created an email address, longlivedeejaytui@gmail.com, for community members to share memories. Federal Way head coach Marcus Yzaguirre posted on social media, describing Tuiasosopo as a special student, player, and friend who was a big part of the community from elementary school through high school.