EVERETT — The Washington State Patrol arrested an Arlington man, 19, for investigation of vehicular homicide in connection with a collision that killed his friend on I-5 north of Arlington on Monday.
Around 1 p.m. Monday, troopers responded to reports of a collision between a silver 2012 Infiniti G37 and a white 2020 Kenworth T680 semitractor-trailer just north of milepost 212 on I-5. The 18-year-old was declared dead at the scene. The name of the driver has not been released as of Thursday.
Troopers initially said both vehicles were traveling north on I-5 when the Infiniti attempted to pass on the left shoulder. The Infiniti driver struck the semi’s trailer, causing it to lose control and end up in the right side ditch, troopers said.
WSP detectives learned the driver in the Infiniti was racing his friend, Jaren Lee Ebert, who was driving a green 2021 Dodge Challenger, before the collision. Troopers arrested Ebert later Monday afternoon and booked him into Snohomish County Jail. He was released on Tuesday after posting bond.
Troopers said Ebert was not directly involved in the collision. However, state law allows for highway racers to be charged for a related traffic crime, even if they weren’t physically present at the time.
Detectives are still asking witnesses of the collision or the racing to contact Detective Jeff Rhue at (360) 654-1142 or Jeff.Rhue@wsp.wa.gov. Detectives are also seeking any in-car dash camera footage.
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
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