Southbound Interstate 5 near Fife experienced significant disruption late Friday morning when a multi-car collision occurred after a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper attempted to stop a driver traveling at 102 mph.

Authorities say the driver refused to pull over and crashed into another vehicle before colliding with the center median barrier. A man in his 30s fled the scene, allegedly engaging in a physical confrontation with the trooper, before being taken into custody. He faces charges including felony eluding, driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and reckless driving. The trooper was unharmed in the incident.

The other driver involved in the crash sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. No further details about the condition of that driver have been released.

All southbound lanes were blocked for approximately one hour during Friday’s morning commute, leading to a four-mile traffic backup. WSDOT later confirmed that nearly all lanes had reopened by shortly after 10 a.m., with only the rightmost southbound lane remaining closed as crews completed scene clearance. Traffic continued to move slowly as drivers navigated through the area.

Here’s what is known so far:

• When: Friday morning during the peak commute—closing lasted about an hour; conditions began improving shortly after 10 a.m.
• Where: Southbound I‑5 through Fife, near Port of Tacoma Road.
• What: Crash followed a 102 mph police pursuit; one individual arrested, one injured driver transported to hospital.
• Impact: All lanes closed, causing a four‑mile backup; lanes reopened under traffic control.

“We’ve opened nearly all lanes on SB I‑5 at Port of Tacoma Rd. in Fife. The right lane remains closed while we finish up. Pack your patience folks. It will take some time for traffic to clear.” — WSDOT Tacoma on X (formerly Twitter)

This closure disrupted travel during one of the region’s busiest commute periods. While the suspect has been arrested, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not provided additional information regarding possible DUI test results or specifics on the crash dynamics.

Why This Matters

The incident highlights the risks associated with high-speed pursuits on major arteries that serve as vital freight and commuter corridors. Southbound I‑5 near Fife is already a frequent chokepoint, often impacted by congestion and construction. Interruptions of this nature exacerbate traffic delays and pose significant public safety concerns.

Past incidents—ranging from large truck crashes to weather-induced closures—have shown the acute vulnerability of this stretch of freeway to disruptions. Recent construction for the SR 167 Completion Project and other infrastructure upgrades has added to the complexity drivers face when incidents occur.

Next Steps

We will continue monitoring for updates from the Washington State Patrol and WSDOT. Specifically, we will seek clarity on the injured driver’s condition, the status of official investigations or citations, and the timeline for full reopening of all lanes.

Residents and commuters are advised to monitor real-time travel tools provided by WSDOT or follow the WSDOT Tacoma X feed for updates and commute planning.