CRIME BLOTTER

Driver arrested after car shears power pole, flips in high-speed Northgate crash

Feb 23, 2026, 10:36 AM

Northgate crash power pole...

A side-by-side photo of the collision near Northgate. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)

A high-speed collision near Northgate left one man seriously injured after a car flipped over and knocked down a power pole on Saturday.

Shortly after 11 p.m., Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers responded to reports that a car struck a power pole near North 107th Street and Aurora Avenue North, SPD reported.

Detectives determined a 43-year-old man was speeding southbound in a Volkswagen on Aurora Avenue North. He hit a Chevrolet heading southbound near North 107th Street. The 66-year-old Chevrolet driver was not injured.

Driver evaluated for impairment after Northgate crash

After the collision, the Volkswagen crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a power pole, shearing it off at the base. The Volkswagen then rolled and hit a parked Tesla occupied by a 28-year-old man before it came to a stop. The Tesla driver was later transported to the hospital.

The adult male passenger of the Volkswagen was pulled out of the car and suffered serious injuries from the collision. Seattle Fire Department medics transported him to Harborview Medical Center.

The Volkswagen driver attempted to flee the scene on foot, but was located by SPD a short distance away and taken into custody. Officers observed signs of impairment, and a Drug Recognition Expert responded to the scene to evaluate the driver.

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) detectives also responded to process the scene.

SPD transported and booked the Volkswagen driver into the King County Jail for investigation of vehicular assault.

Authorities urged anyone with information regarding the incident to submit it to TCIS at (206) 684-8923.

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Driver arrested after car shears power pole, flips in high-speed Northgate crash