News

Soldier suspected of killing pedestrian while driving drunk

A small pickup slammed into a pedestrian on Friday night in Spanaway.  It happened on the Mountain View Highway. 
A woman was crossing the highway at about 9:45 p.m. when the vehicle hit and killed her. 
The victim’s belongings were scattered on the roadway for almost 100 yards.  Eyewitness JC Legitt said, “They weren’t sure if she was thrown by the truck or dragged by the truck.” 
The woman has not been identified. The pickup driver has been arrested.
State troopers said Army Sgt. Rene Michael Navarro, 26, failed to yield for a pedestrian in the roadway.  He’s now in the Pierce County Jail. According to the jail roster, he’s charged with vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated.
On Saturday, the Army confirmed that Navarro is a soldier at Joint Base Lewis McChord.  He’s a sergeant with the 555th Engineering Brigade, which is part of the 7th Infantry Division.  A spokesman said the Army is cooperating with the State Patrol and offers its condolences to the victim’s family.