I-5 Pursuit Ends In Crash, Blocks Lanes In Seattle

SEATTLE — A police chase ended with a successful PIT maneuver in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Seattle, snarling traffic for miles near Georgetown. According to Washington State Patrol, the pursuit began after a woman rammed a patrol vehicle at the Federal Way rest area, then fled northbound. WSP said troopers saw "obvious signs of impairment" and received authorization to give chase.

Traffic camera footage published by KING 5 caught portions of the chase as it proceeded north, showing the vehicle traveling at high speeds and weaving between cars across several lanes of traffic.

The pursuit ended after troopers successfully rammed the vehicle into the shoulder near South Michigan Street, and the police response blocked three lanes of northbound traffic. By 11 a.m., transportation officials warned drivers that backups already stretched three miles and were building.

Washington State Patrol confirmed all lanes had reopened a few minutes before noon.