At approximately 8:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle had struck a tow truck operator on westbound SR 18 near Weyerhaeuser Way.
Troopers said the tow truck operator was loading a vehicle on the right shoulder when a vehicle traveling westbound on SR 18 drifted onto the shoulder and struck the driver, who was outside of the tow truck.
The tow truck driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.
Witnesses reported extreme lane travel prior to the collision.
The driver of the vehicle – who was driving a 2019 Hyundai Sonata – exited and fled on foot.
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.
Video
Below is video of the tracking and arrest of the suspect as filmed from WSP’s helicopter:
WSP Seeking Public’s Help
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.
