Suspected DUI driver strikes patrol car blocking crash scene in Federal Way
Oct 22, 2026, 6:37 AM | Updated: 12:45 pm
A side-by-side photo of the damage on both vehicles in the NB I-5 crash in Federal Way. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Patrol)
(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Patrol)
A driver in Federal Way was arrested on suspicion of DUI after striking a Washington State Patrol (WSP) car early Thursday morning.
The collision occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on northbound I-5 at S 272nd, WSP Trooper Rick Johnson announced.
“Unfortunately, this happens all too often. It has happened to me my first year out, twice, with my lights on and on the shoulder,” Johnson told KIRO Newsradio. “So, we have to keep our heads on a swivel, and we ask the public to slow down and move over whenever you see flashing lights ahead.”
Troopers had been blocking the HOV lane for an unrelated crash when the patrol car was struck.
Johnson noted that the trooper was not in the vehicle at the time of the collision and sustained no injuries.
The driver was ultimately arrested for DUI.
This was NB I-5 at S 272nd in Federal Way just before 2am this morning. Troopers were blocking the HOV lane for another crash when the patrol car was struck. The trooper was not in the vehicle at the time and is not injured. The other driver was arrested for DUI. – NJ https://t.co/mwkCLHP1pa
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) October 22, 2026
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