WSP: Joy-riding boy, 14, causes three-car crash on I-5
TUKWILA, Wash. - A 14-year-old boy sparked a three-car collision when he drove his mother’s car without permission and took off down Interstate 5 at high speeds, the Washington State Patrol reported.
Capt. Jason Berry of the State Patrol said the incident began at about noon Thursday when the boy was spotted heading south on I-5 in his mom's Toyota Celica near the I-405 interchange in the Tukwila area.
The car was seen weaving recklessly through traffic at high speed with the boy's 14-year-old girlfriend as the passenger.
A motorist who was driving down the freeway in the area at about 65 mph told state troopers that the boy passed his car "like it was standing still."
As the Celica continued down the left lane, it slammed into the right rear of a Toyota Tundra, 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.
The Celica crashed into the right barrier, coming to a stop blocking the second right lane.
Witnesses then said the Celica took off again, continuing south for a short distance before the young driver 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 during the investigation.
The 14-year-old is under investigation for reckless driving, hit and run, driving without a valid operator’s license and driving without insurance.
Due to his age the driver was release to his mother’s custody.
Capt. Jason Berry of the State Patrol said the incident began at about noon Thursday when the boy was spotted heading south on I-5 in his mom's Toyota Celica near the I-405 interchange in the Tukwila area.
The car was seen weaving recklessly through traffic at high speed with the boy's 14-year-old girlfriend as the passenger.
A motorist who was driving down the freeway in the area at about 65 mph told state troopers that the boy passed his car "like it was standing still."
As the Celica continued down the left lane, it slammed into the right rear of a Toyota Tundra, 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.
The Celica crashed into the right barrier, coming to a stop blocking the second right lane.
Witnesses then said the Celica took off again, continuing south for a short distance before the young driver 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 during the investigation.
The 14-year-old is under investigation for reckless driving, hit and run, driving without a valid operator’s license and driving without insurance.
Due to his age the driver was release to his mother’s custody.
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