3 Hurt In 3-Car Crash Near Lakewood: WSP

LAKEWOOD, WA — Three people were hurt in a three-car crash on northbound Interstate-5 Monday afternoon that was reportedly caused by one driver who was following too closely, according to Washington State Patrol.

Hurt in the rear-end collisions were James Deagle, 55, of Ruston, as well as 24-year-old Nicole Santarini and 70-year-old James Porter, both from Lakewood. It appears Santarini was ultimately responsible for the incident, WSP officials said.

Santarini was driving north on I-5 in her silver 2013 Subaru Outback and was reportedly traveling too close to Deagle's white 2017 Chevrolet Silverado in front of her when just around 12:30 p.m. April 29 traffic slowed around exit 130 to South 56th Street.

As Deagle slowed, Santarini was unable to brake before rear-ending the Chevy pickup, which in turn was pushed forward into Porter's gray 2005 Subaru Outback.

Both Deagle and Porter's vehicles were drivable after the crash, officials said. Santarini's Subaru, however, reportedly required a tow.

Deagle was taken to MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital with injuries; and although Porter sustained unspecified injuries as well, he did not require transport to hospital, officials said.

Santarini was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. She will face charges for driving without insurance and following too closely, officials said.

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