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State Patrol: Driver in fatal I-5 hit and run in Tacoma carjacked vehicle, fled scene

Washington State Patrol said a driver who caused a fatal crash on I-5 early March 30, 2024 carjacked another vehicle and escaped the scene.
Washington State Patrol said a driver who caused a fatal crash on I-5 early March 30, 2024 carjacked another vehicle and escaped the scene. file

Immediately after a hit and run collision on Interstate 5 killed a 39-year-old man from Texas early Saturday morning, the driver carjacked a passerby’s vehicle and fled the scene, the Washington State Patrol told The News Tribune.

The initial report came around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. According to a State Patrol report, a 39-year-old driver from Temple, Texas was hit from behind on I-5 facing southbound at milepost 132, north of the Tacoma Mall area. An unknown driver driving a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado struck the man’s vehicle and totaled both cars.

The 39-year-old man was found dead at the scene. As of 8 a.m. Saturday the man’s name had not been released and the investigation is pending, the report said. Both cars came to rest in lanes two, three and four of traffic.

Immediately after the crash, the unknown driver carjacked a white GMC Acadia that had stopped nearby and took off, Washington State Patrol trooper Dakota Russell told The News Tribune.

An investigation is pending, Russell said, and there were no further details about the incident as of 9:30 a.m.

This story was originally published March 30, 2024 at 9:57 AM.

Becca Most
The News Tribune
Becca Most is a reporter covering Pierce County issues, including topics related to Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, DuPont, Fife, Ruston, Fircrest, Steilacoom and unincorporated Pierce County. Originally from the Midwest, Becca previously wrote about city and social issues in Central Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul. Her work has been recognized by Gannett and the USA Today Network, as well as the Minnesota Newspaper Association where she won first place in arts, government/public affairs and investigative reporting in 2023.  Support my work with a digital subscription
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