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Suspected Impaired Driver Strikes A Tow Truck Operator

September 12, 2024

King County: At approximately 8:20pm on September 10, 2024, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle had struck a tow truck operator WB SR 18 near Weyerhaeuser Way.

A tow truck operator was loading a vehicle on the right shoulder when a vehicle traveling westbound SR 18 drifted onto the shoulder and struck the driver who was outside of the tow truck. Witnesses reported extreme lane travel prior to the collision. The driver of the vehicle exited and fled on foot. The suspect was driving a 2019 Hyundai Sonata.

WSP air support was in the area and was able to track the suspect and lead troopers to their location which led to the arrest of John A. Hooven, 58 years old from Federal Way for suspected DUI, Hit and Run and Vehicular Assault. (See link below for aircraft video)

https://youtu.be/GQ6KZY64qh4

The tow truck driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.

WSP detectives are seeking anyone that witnessed the collision or observed the vehicle prior to the collision. Please email Detective Ford at Brody.Ford@wsp.wa.gov.

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Release sent by Trooper Rick Johnson, D2 PIO

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