Wrong-way driver ran off after causing deadly Tacoma crash, charges say. Now he’s jailed
Motorists who witnessed two head-on crashes on state Route 16 in Tacoma early Friday told state troopers an alleged wrong-way driver smelled of “intoxicants” and fled the scene after learning a motorcyclist died from his injuries, according to charging papers.
Puyallup resident Timothy R. Waldroop, 30, faces charges of vehicular homicide and failing to remain at the scene of a fatal crash, according to documents filed in Pierce County Superior Court on Monday. He remains jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail.
A judge ordered Waldroop to install an ignition-interlock device in his car and complete alcohol monitoring because the crash involved alcohol and he has a prior conviction for driving under the influence, court records show.
The motorcyclist who was killed, 51-year-old William R. Laver of Grapeview, attempted to swerve around the Jeep but crashed into it head-on, charging papers say. Waldroop’s Jeep then struck a Mercedes sedan head-on before coming to a stop.
Laver died at the scene, according to charging papers. The driver of the Mercedes suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Motorists who stopped to help people injured in the crash reported that Waldroop complained of a shoulder injury and sat down in the passenger seat of his car, charging papers say. A person who approached Waldroop said he smelled of “intoxicants.”
Witnesses said Waldroop fled on foot after learning Laver died, according to charging papers.
Images of Waldroop, who was the registered owner of the Jeep left at the crash scene, matched descriptions of the driver provided by witnesses, charging papers say.
Troopers later went to Waldroop’s home and met with his mother, who said Waldroop was the only one who drove the Jeep, according to charging papers. Waldroop did not answer calls from troopers at the phone number his mother provided.
Waldroop agreed to turn himself in Friday afternoon, charging papers say. Detectives ended an interview with him after he requested an attorney.
This story was originally published September 20, 2022 at 11:39 AM.
