Northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 18 reopens after 4.5-hour DUI closure
Aug 20, 2026, 6:27 AM | Updated: 7:04 am
A photo of the car in a field on fire after crashing on the northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 18. (Photo courtesy of WSP)
(Photo courtesy of WSP)
The northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 18 reopened Thursday morning after a single-car collision blocked the roadway for nearly 4.5 hours.
CLEAR: The collision has cleared and the northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 18 is now open. https://t.co/XcP7cBe1z0
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) August 20, 2026
The crash occurred at approximately 1 a.m., injuring two people in the car — a 31-year-old driver and a 27-year-old passenger.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) confirmed it’s a DUI case involving drugs and/or alcohol. Both were transported to St. Francis Hospital after emergency responders provided aid at the scene. According to WSP, the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
“Suspect arrested this morning after he was clocked going 93 mph in a 60 mph zone,” WSP Trooper Kameron Watts reported. “That vehicle fled from troopers and crashed into a field at NB I-5 at SR-18.”
The driver is now in custody for: vehicular assault, DUI, eluding, and reckless endangerment.
Suspect arrested this morning after he was clocked going 93mph in a 60mph zone.
That vehicle fled from Troopers and crashed into a field at NB I-5 at SR-18.
Suspect is now in custody for: Vehicular Assault, DUI, Eluding, Reckless Endangerment… cont’d pic.twitter.com/CeKR9nme7U
— Trooper Kameron Watts (@wspd1pio) August 20, 2026
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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