PORT ANGELES — Traffic was being diverted around a wreck that shut down both directions of U.S. Highway 101 near the Fairmont Grocery in west Port Angeles after a 4 p.m. Tuesday collision.
One person was in custody for investigation of driving under intoxication after a driver fleeing a State Patrol trooper hit another vehicle head-on, according to the State Patrol. He was not identified.
Westbound traffic was being diverted to Pine Street while eastbound traffic was detoured to the Tumwater Truck Route, according to Port Angeles police.
“The trooper noticed a westbound driver driving aggressively, including passing in the turn lane. He passed the trooper, who activated first his lights, then his siren as he tried to catch up,” said Trooper Katherine Weatherwax, State Patrol spokeswoman, Tuesday afternoon.
About 10 seconds later, the driver collided head-on with another vehicle near Old Joe Road, she said, adding she didn’t know the number of people involved or possible injuries.
“We need to thoroughly investigate this crash. There might be a tech called out,” Weatherwax said.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
