A suspected drunk driver in Federal Way struck and injured a tow truck operator who was working on the shoulder of State Route 18, then fled the scene on foot.
At about 8:20 p.m. Sept. 10, a tow truck operator was loading a vehicle on the right shoulder of SR 18 near Weyerhaeuser Way when a 2019 Hyundai Sonata driven by a 58-year-old Federal Way man was driving erratically as it approached, according to the Washington State Patrol. The Hyundai driver was using multiple lanes before drifting onto the shoulder and striking the tow truck driver, who was outside of the tow truck, according to the state patrol.
Witnesses reported that before the collision, the vehicle that crashed into the man had exhibited extreme lane traveling, according to the state patrol.
After striking the man, the driver of the vehicle exited and fled on foot. WSP air support was in the area and tracked the suspect, leading troopers to his location, who subsequently arrested the suspect. WSP posted a video of the search and arrest.
The suspect was charged with driving under the influence and is still being investigated for felony hit-and-run and vehicular assault as of Sept. 13. The suspect was booked into King County Jail at about 11 p.m. Sept. 10, but was released on Sept. 11 at about 6 p.m. His bond for the felony hit-and-run investigation was $30,000.
The victim was a 38-year-old from Longbranch, Washington, and was seriously injured, according to the state patrol. Following his injury, the victim was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.
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