DUI Suspect Hits Washington State Patrol Car on I-5 Thursday

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A driver suspected of driving under the influence was arrested early Thursday after crashing into a Washington State Patrol vehicle that troopers had positioned to protect an active collision scene on northbound Interstate 5.

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Troopers had blocked the high-occupancy vehicle lane near South 272nd Street shortly before 2 a.m. Oct. 22 while responding to another crash when the patrol vehicle was struck, according to Trooper Rick Johnson.

Johnson said the trooper was outside the patrol vehicle at the time of the collision and suffered no injuries.

“The other driver was arrested for DUI,” Johnson said.

The collision occurred near milepost 147 on northbound I-5, in the Federal Way area.

The Washington State Department of Transportation initially reported the collision blocking the HOV lane at 1:25 a.m. As the incident response continued, additional lanes became blocked, prompting warnings for drivers to expect delays and use caution.

WSDOT later reported that the collision had been reduced to blocking the right lane before all lanes reopened.

The incident highlights the risks emergency responders face while working along busy highways, where drivers must slow down, remain alert and move safely around emergency vehicles and active collision scenes.

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