The Washington State Patrol is urgently soliciting assistance from the public following a hit-and-run incident that left a tow truck driver injured. The collision took place at 9:23 a.m. on the morning of Monday on the northbound section of Interstate 5, near the Skagit River Bridge at milepost 228. According to a statement from the WSP, the suspect vehicle is described as a gold Toyota Avalon from the 2000s, notably mismatched with black front wheels and silver rear wheel covers.
The circumstances of the incident were reported to have unfolded as the tow truck driver was returning to inform the trooper on the scene, and the Avalon failed to properly move over, striking him in the process. Authorities further detailed that after the collision, the suspect vehicle was last seen to exit on George Hopper Rd, continuing its path north on Interstate 5. A screen capture from camera footage showing the distinctive gold Avalon has been released in the hopes of garnering critical leads.
WSP Trooper Scott Gustafson is actively leading the investigation and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any pertinent information regarding the runaway driver to come forward. Gustafson can be reached directly at (425) 923-6842. The public's cooperation is deemed essential as law enforcement officers work diligently to track down both the suspect and the vehicle involved in this serious offense.
