1 Dead, 3 Hurt In Drunk Driving Crash: Sheriff

SUMNER, WA - Multiple people were hurt and one person was killed in a three-car crash in northeast Sumner Tuesday night. Pierce County Sheriff's officials said the crash was caused by an impaired driver.

The crash occurred just after 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at the intersection of Sumner Tapps Highway East and 162nd Avenue East. According to the sheriff's office, an impaired 61-year-old Bonney Lake man initiated the three-car collision when he rear-ended a Geo Metro that was stopped on the highway, waiting to make a left turn.

Driving a Ford Ranger, the impaired driver slammed into the Geo at speeds estimated between 45 and 50 mph. The impact from the initial collision reportedly sent the Geo into oncoming traffic, where it was struck again by a Toyota Camry also traveling at highway speeds.

The unidentified 65-year-old female passenger in the Geo was pronounced dead at the scene. The Geo's driver, a man, was reportedly taken to hospital in critical condition.

The two people in the Toyota also sustained unspecified injuries.

The impaired driver was taken to hospital for evaluation before getting booked at Pierce County Jail. He faces vehicular homicide charges, sheriff's officials said.

The highway was closed for several hours while police investigated.

This post will be updated when more information is made available.

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