Passenger killed after driver in stolen car crashes at 110 mph while evading troopers

KOMO • January 19, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

A stolen car crash in Tacoma early Sunday morning resulted in one fatality after the driver attempted to evade Washington State Patrol troopers.
The pursuit started on southbound State Route 509 near Port of Tacoma Road when a trooper tried to stop the vehicle.
The driver fled at high speed, losing control and crashing into a power pole at about 110 mph near 21st Street and Pacific Avenue.
The front seat passenger died at the scene, while the driver and rear seat passenger sustained serious injuries; the driver is now in custody.
The driver faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, possession of a stolen vehicle, and DUI.