Naked motorist gets probation after Bellevue stop

A Seattle driver who was arrested by the Washington State Patrol last summer in unusual circumstances — both he and his passenger were naked — has ended up paying a price for his passion.

The driver, Jan Peter Pawluskiewicz, 19, appeared in court Thursday in Redmond to respond to charges filed after his arrest in June.

In that episode, a state trooper stopped a sport-utility vehicle about 1:20 a.m. on Interstate 90 in Bellevue after he noticed the vehicle drifting across traffic lanes. When the trooper approached the couple inside, he found they both were naked and trying to stash an empty wine bottle.

The driver was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Pawluskiewicz pleaded guilty to reduced charges of first- and second-degree negligent driving.

King County District Court Judge Linda Jacke ordered 24 months of probation; a 90-day jail term, which was suspended; attendance at a DUI victims' panel; and fines that totaled $1,718.

His family presented documentation showing that his SUV has been donated to a charity.

And, Jacke was told, the young man's girlfriend has left him.

"The price he paid at home was far greater than what he paid in court," said the judge.