PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) arrested a woman accused of killing two people after she drove the wrong way and crashed into another car along State Route 512.
The WSP said the crash happened on westbound SR 512 near Canyon Road East around 2:15 a.m. Sunday when a 23-year-old woman driving the wrong way struck another vehicle. The wrong-way driver had a baby in the car during the crash, but both are expected to be okay.
According to the WSP, two victims were killed and another survived, but authorities could not share their injury status.
Authorities said the suspect was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. Troopers said it will recommend DUI vehicular homicide charges for the wrong-way driver.
"We live with a heavy heart knowing that two people lost their lives today needlessly," said John Datillo, WSP trooper. "Due to a result with someone deciding to drink and drive. Especially with a kid in the car."
Troopers said it was just one of 10 DUI arrests in Pierce County it made Saturday night. The deadly crash was one of three wrong-way crashes troopers responded to.
"It is exceptionally uncommon for them to end in a head-on collision, especially three within a course of three hours," Datillo said. "It's something I have never seen in my career."
According to the WSP, there were 30 fatal collisions in Pierce County last year. There have already been 10 fatal collisions as of mid-May.
"We have had, just in the last year, some of the deadliest crashes in Washington state history, in Pierce County," Datillo said. "The six-person fatal in the Tacoma tide flats and a five-person fatal near the South Hill Mall not far from where today's fatal was."
Pierce County is on track to match its 2023 total of DUIs this year. Dattilo said there were 1,262 DUIs throughout Pierce County in 2023; there have been 604 DUIs reported this year.
"Drive sober," Dattilo said. "Please find an alternative way to get home. Do not get behind the wheel."
These fatal collisions are happening as the state agency deals with a staffing shortage.
The agency has 683 authorized road trooper positions, with 531 of the spots filled. That still leaves more than 150 openings across the WSP.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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