MONROE, Wash. – A 31-year-old man from Kent, Washington, was arrested for vehicular assault following a serious injury collision that temporarily closed the intersection of 179th Avenue Southeast and US-2 on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
At approximately 9:12 a.m., Monroe Police Officers responded to a report of a collision involving a white Volkswagen Jetta and a white Dodge Grand Caravan. The Dodge sustained significant, disabling damage to the front end. When officers arrived, the driver and passenger of the Dodge were still seated inside the vehicle and reported minor injuries.
The Volkswagen sustained extensive damage to the passenger side, primarily concentrated near the front passenger door, which was torn off during the collision. The front seat passenger of the Volkswagen sustained serious injuries to their right leg and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the Volkswagen was later identified as a 31-year-old male from Kent, Washington. During the investigation, officers observed the driver clutching a white substance, suspected to be Cocaine, in his hand and took him into custody.
Monroe Police officers and detectives conducted a collision investigation, which included scene measurements and digital photography. A drone was utilized to document the scene from above.
Witness statements obtained by investigators indicate the Volkswagen was traveling westbound on US-2 and entered the intersection against a red traffic signal at 179th Avenue Southeast. Witnesses also reported that the vehicle’s occupants were observed leaving a large retail store in the North Kelsey retail area shortly before the collision, during which a security alarm was activated, followed by the vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Investigators are reviewing available surveillance video as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officers obtained a search warrant for a blood draw from the driver of the Volkswagen. The blood sample was collected and will be submitted for analysis to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.
The driver was booked into Snohomish County Jail on charges of vehicular assault. The investigation remains ongoing.