Washington State Patrol is investigating three separate wrong-way DUI crashes in Tacoma that occurred within three hours on June 2, 2024, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. Several drivers were arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide. The incidents have sparked community outrage and calls for increased vigilance against drunk driving.
A deadly wrong-way crash on the I-580 connector to Westbound I-80 near the Bay Bridge caused major traffic issues, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The crash involved a wrong-way driver and three vehicles, and had followed a called-off police chase. The incident led to the closure of two lanes for several hours, impacting traffic during Tuesday morning.
A fatal wrong-way crash on the Gene Snyder in Louisville shut down the westbound lanes between Bardstown Road and Beulah Church Road for nearly 5 hours. The crash occurred when a passenger vehicle driving eastbound in the westbound lanes collided head-on with a box truck, resulting in the death of the driver of the passenger vehicle. The road has since reopened.
A 21-year-old man from Hartford, Bonifilio Ortiz Perez, was arrested by Connecticut State Police for driving the wrong way while under the influence of alcohol on Interstate 384 in Manchester. Troopers observed Perez driving westbound in the eastbound lanes and were able to safely stop him. He failed a field sobriety test and now faces multiple charges, including operating under the influence and reckless endangerment. His bond has been set at $10,000.