A driver on State Route 512 near Puyallup walked away uninjured on Thursday morning after a hood from a passing sedan crashed through the windshield of a Jeep Wrangler, according to the Washington State Patrol. Troopers said the metal hood missed the driver’s head by inches. The sedan that lost the hood continued driving. Authorities searched the highway for the vehicle that dropped the part.
On SR-512 near Puyallup, the hood of a sedan detached, glided in the air, and struck the windshield of this Jeep Wrangler. The victim just narrowly missed being struck in the head by this object. The suspect vehicle is currently outstanding. pic.twitter.com/4fWDvdjpk0
— Trooper Kameron Watts (@wspd1pio) February 19, 2026
What troopers say
Washington State Patrol Trooper Kameron Watts shared photos and a brief account of the wreckage on social media, writing that the hood "detached, glided in the air, and struck the windshield" of the Jeep. As reported by KIRO 7, the post, shared early Thursday, shows the hood lodged in the shattered glass where the driver’s face would normally be.
Suspect vehicle still at large
According to FOX 13 Seattle, WSP first alerted the public on social media at about 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Troopers said the driver of the sedan that lost the hood did not stop and the vehicle has still not been found. Anyone with information was urged to contact the Washington State Patrol, the station reported.
Why this matters for drivers
Troopers noted that flying vehicle parts, along with chunks of ice in cold weather, can instantly turn into high-speed projectiles that puncture windshields and injure people inside. Coverage of similar "ice missile" incidents and state laws about clearing snow and ice from vehicles appears in Fox Weather, which reports that loose material on cars can create life-threatening hazards for other drivers.
Troopers reiterated the basics for staying safe: keep a generous following distance so you have time to react, and make sure fasteners and hood latches are secure before you hit the road. If you have information about the vehicle involved, contact the Washington State Patrol and include any dash-cam footage or photos that could help investigators.
