DUPONT, Wash. â Two soldiers stopped on Interstate 5 to help after an SUV overturned Monday morning, then intervened when its driver allegedly attacked two girls with a knife, according to Washington State Patrol.
The girls, ages 9 and 15, were hospitalized following the October 5 crash near Center Drive, Exit 118, south of Tacoma. The younger girl suffered broken bones and a stab wound. Both were reported in stable condition.
The driver, a 35-year-old woman from Steilacoom, was initially taken to a hospital for evaluation. KING 5âs October 6 update says she was subsequently booked into Pierce County Jail.
Soldiers intervene after the rollover
The crash happened shortly before 9 a.m. on southbound I-5. A Washington State Patrol incident summary, described in Bonny Matejowskyâs report carried by Yahoo News, identified the vehicle as a gray 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The SUV struck the left shoulder barrier, crossed toward the right shoulder, then veered left and hit a semi-truck. It struck the left barrier again and overturned, coming to rest in the HOV lane. WSP Sgt. John Dattilo said it rolled multiple times. The truck driver was not injured.
Witnesses told investigators the woman began attacking the girls with a knife after the three occupants got out of the vehicle.
Two uniformed soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord pulled over and ran to intervene. KOMOâs account of the WSP statement says three people helped stop the attack, including the two soldiers.
Nathan Wilkinson, who was driving to work, told The News Tribune he saw the soldiers wrestling with the armed woman. They held her on the ground and took away the knife before troopers arrived and took her into custody.
âI think they really saved the day,â Wilkinson said. He hoped the soldiers would be recognized for their intervention.
What investigators have confirmed
KOMO reported that the nine-year-old had broken bones and a stab wound, while the 15-year-old had no serious injuries. The report shared through Yahoo said the older childâs specific injuries were not immediately available.
Although social media posts describe the woman as the girlsâ mother and say both daughters were stabbed, those details should be treated carefully. KOMO said WSP had not released their relationship. The available injury accounts specifically confirm a stabbing injury to the younger girl.
Initial reports said investigators suspected DUI, vehicular assault and first-degree assault. KING 5âs newer report said the woman was expected to face two assault counts, vehicular assault and two reckless-endangerment counts. That account described anticipated charges, rather than confirming a completed court filing.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The reports reviewed did not establish a motive for the alleged knife attack.
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