14-year-old Kent driver reportedly causes three-car crash on Interstate 5 near Southcenter

A 14-year-old Kent boy drove his mother’s car without permission in a reckless manner with his 14-year-old girlfriend as the passenger and reportedly caused a three-car collision at about noon Thursday along southbound Interstate 5.

The accident happened near I-405 by the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila.

After the collision, the young driver tried to drive away and struck the right barrier along the freeway, according to a Washington State Patrol media release.

The boy drove a Toyota Celica recklessly making lane changes to weave through traffic at high speeds.

A witness stated he was driving around 65 mph when the Celica passed his car “like it was standing still."

The Celica hit the right rear of a Toyota Tundra that was traveling in the left lane sending both vehicles across the right lanes and into the right barrier. As the Tundra crossed the lanes, it hit the left rear of a Plymouth Voyager.

After striking the right barrier, the Celica came to a stop blocking the second right lane before witnesses stated it attempted to flee, continuing south for a short distance before it lost control and hit the right barrier for a second time.

The driver of the Toyota Tundra suffered minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The Kent boy is under investigation for reckless driving, hit and run, no valid operator’s license and driving without insurance. Due to his age, the boy was released to his mother’s custody.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

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