Driver in serious injury collision arrested Tuesday

Published 1:30 am Thursday, January 29, 2026

EVERETT — Monroe police arrested a 31-year-old Kent man in connection with a serious injury collision Tuesday morning that temporarily closed the intersection of 179th Avenue Southeast and U.S. 2 in Monroe.

Around 9:12 a.m. Tuesday, Monroe officers responded to a collision involving a white Volkswagen Jetta and a white Dodge Grand Caravan, according to a Monroe Police Department press release. The Volkswagen was traveling west on U.S. 2 when it ran a red light at the intersection, witnesses reported.

Shortly before the collision, the vehicle’s occupants were reportedly seen leaving a store in the North Kelsey retail area, the release said. As the occupants were leaving, the security alarm was activated, and the vehicle reportedly left the area at a high rate of speed.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the driver and passenger of the Dodge were still seated inside the vehicle and reported minor injuries, the release said. The vehicle had “significant, disabling damage” to the front end.

The Volkswagen’s front seat passenger had serious injuries to their leg, the release said. The passenger side of the vehicle sustained extensive damage, with the front passenger door being torn off during the collision.

First responders transported the Volkswagen’s passenger to a local hospital and later to Harborview Medical Center for other significant injuries, according to court documents.

Due to the missing door, officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, court documents said.

A Snohomish County Sheriff deputy who witnessed the collision took the Volkswagen’s driver into custody, court documents said. While being transferred to Monroe police’s custody, officers found a vial of white powdery substance, suspected to be cocaine, in his hand that he was reportedly trying to conceal.

Officers obtained a warrant for a blood draw of the Volkswagen’s driver and will submit the sample for analysis at the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, the release said.

Law enforcement booked the driver into Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of vehicular assault.

This remains an active investigation.

Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com; X: @JennaMillikan