Traffic alert: Man flees trooper and wrecks on I-5. Multiple lanes blocked
A two-car crash near Fife caused traffic delays Friday morning.
All lanes are blocked Interstate 5 southbound near the Port of Tacoma Road. Drivers are getting by in the shoulder, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation on X at 9:32 a.m.
A Washington State Patrol trooper was trying to stop another driver who was driving 102 miles-per-hour prior to the crash. As the trooper tried to catch up, the driver of the vehicle crashed into another car before going into the center median barrier, WSP trooper Kameron Watts told The News Tribune.
The driver ran off and tried to fight the trooper, Watts said. The trooper was not injured, and the driver was taken into custody.
The driver, who is in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of felony eluding, DUI, resisting arrest and reckless driving. Before he was taken into custody, all lanes were blocked before the HOV lane opened back up, Watts said.
Per WSP’s procedure for use of force incidents, medical aid was dispatched as a precaution for the driver.
The driver of the second vehicle was injured and taken to a local hospital. Information on the severity of the driver’s injuries was not immediately available.
The post said there is a four-mile backup while troopers work to clear the scene. Drivers are asked to find alternate routes.
Watts said there is no estimated time on when the roadway will reopen completely as the investigation is ongoing at the scene. Traffic is diverted towards Port of Tacoma Road.
10:10 a.m. update: The right lane is closed, while all other lanes on southbound I-5 reopened, according to WSDOT Tacoma in an update.
Update: All lanes have reopened, WSDOT Tacoma posted in a final update.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 9:40 AM.
