Alleged drunk driver crashes into man on Federal Way, ejecting him

Around 1 a.m. Aug. 22, an alleged drunk driver in a Kia Sportage was driving at a high rate of speed when he crashed into a Toyota Tacoma driven by a 54-year-old Federal Way man.

The news release from Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson said the Toyota Tacoma was driving north on Interstate 5 just south of S. 188th Street when the Kia rear-ended it, causing it to roll into the -a trench. In the middle of the accident, the driver was ejected.

The release says the Federal Way man suffered facial injuries and was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition. The 19-year-old driver of the Kia showed signs of impairment and was later taken into custody pending investigation into the vehicular assault.

The release said when officers arrived, the Kia Sportage was on top and the driver was walking. WSP linked video showing the incident, saying the video shows a horrific, preventable collision.

“WSP understands the frustration road closures cause drivers. WSP will always do a thorough investigation as this is imperative for the victims and their families,” the statement said. “Choices made by impaired drivers are 100 percent preventable and unfortunately lead to road closures, injuries and deaths.”

King County booking records show the driver is still in the King County Correctional Facility but has not yet been charged in King County Superior Court. WSP detectives are looking for anyone who witnessed or observed the Kia prior to the collision. Email Detective Sergeev at [email protected]