Wrong-Way Suspect Crashes Into State Trooper On I-5
Trooper Kameron Watts said the crash happened on southbound I-5 near State Route 512. The suspect vehicle struck a patrol SUV after traveling the wrong direction on the freeway multiple times.
Washington State Patrol troopers investigate after a wrong-way suspect crashed into a patrol vehicle on southbound Interstate 5 near SR-512 early this morning. Authorities arrested a 19-year-old driver following the incident. (Trooper Kameron Watts)
TACOMA, Wash. — A Washington State Patrol trooper stopped a wrong-way suspect early this morning on Interstate 5 after the driver repeatedly entered the highway against traffic while fleeing from law enforcement, authorities said.
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Trooper Kameron Watts said the crash happened on southbound I-5 near State Route 512. The suspect vehicle struck a patrol SUV after traveling the wrong direction on the freeway multiple times.
Although the impact caused quite a mess, the trooper took the suspect into custody at the scene.
“Despite taking the hit, the trooper was able to get the suspect in custody with no further incident,” Trooper Watts said.
Officials later confirmed that no one suffered serious injuries.
Wrong-way driver tried to evade police
Investigators say the suspect, a 19-year-old male, was already wanted for assault in the first degree before the pursuit began.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the driver entered I-5 going the wrong way while trying to escape.
“The suspect went the wrong way on I-5 four different times in an effort to not get caught by (law enforcement) before a Trooper intervened to stop the vehicle,” Trooper Watts said.
The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into the trooper’s patrol vehicle near the SR-512 interchange.
The trooper then arrested the driver at the scene.
Multiple arrests and charges
Authorities booked the 19-year-old driver on several charges, including assault in the first degree, attempting to elude police, possession of a stolen vehicle, and reckless endangerment.
“A female passenger in the car was also arrested for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle as well due to her involvement,” Trooper Watts said.
Traffic disruptions during cleanup
The crash closed the three left lanes of southbound Interstate 5 while crews cleared debris and investigators documented the scene.
The Washington State Department of Transportation Incident Response Team helped manage traffic during the cleanup.
Crews reopened the roadway several hours later.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
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