Trial delayed for candidate accused of obstruction

The trial of a Blaine City Council candidate accused of obstructing law enforcement officers has been pushed back.

Steven Tojek, a border patrol agent who is currently running for the Blaine City Council ward 2 seat, is charged with obstructing Blaine police officers during a late-night traffic stop in 2017, after the officers impounded his vehicle, which was being driven 111 m.p.h. by an intoxicated driver before it was pulled over.

Tojek allegedly became angry and confrontational with the officers after they proceeded to impound his new Ford Mustang, in which he was the passenger. The confrontation allegedly delayed their investigation of the driver, who was later found guilty of reckless driving and driving under the influence.

Tojek is facing a trial in Whatcom County District Court. According to the court’s website, his trial is now scheduled for Monday, November 4 at 9 a.m. Before the trial, a motion to dismiss the case will be heard on Thursday, October 24 at 1:30 p.m.

According to Tojek’s attorney, William Johnston, further delays are possible due to the backlog of cases that Whatcom County prosecutors are pursuing. “It’s a real bottleneck over there,” he said.

In the August 6 primaries, the top two candidates for the Blaine City Council ward 2 seat were Garth Baldwin with 284 votes and Tojek with 72 votes. They will compete against each other for the ward 2 seat in the November general election, which takes place on Tuesday, November 5.