Two Chehalis residents — including one suspected of DUI — were hospitalized following a three-car crash on state Route 6 Thursday, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
Jacob D. Johnston, 27, faces possible charges of driving under the influence and vehicular assault. He was airlifted to MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital with undisclosed injuries.
Troopers said Johnston was not wearing a seat belt.
Taylor K. Philp, 33, was airlifted to St. Joseph Medical Center with undisclosed injuries. She was reportedly wearing a seat belt.
According to WSP, Johnston was driving a 2013 Ford Escape westbound on Route 6 at about 3:22 p.m. April 8 when he struck a 2007 Ford Mustang that had stopped to wait for traffic before turning southbound onto Curtis Hill Road.
After the initial collision, Johnston’s Escape spun into the eastbound lane and was hit by Philp’s 2019 Ford Fusion heading eastbound.
Johnston’s Escape rolled and stopped on its top, blocking both lanes, troopers said.
The driver of the Mustang, Jerusha K. Mainero, 46, and passenger Tanner R. Mainero, 39, both of Chehalis, were uninjured in the collision. They were wearing seat belts.
All three cars were considered totaled.
Troopers said the cause of the collision is under investigation.
