LAKEWOOD, Wash. — A suspect was taken into custody after a police standoff blocked all lanes of Interstate 5 in Lakewood Tuesday afternoon.
Investigators said a man driving on SB I-5 was going 100 mph when he went past a Lakewood police patrol car and was seen weaving in and out of traffic.
>> PHOTOS: Police standoff blocks I-5 in Lakewood
On Wednesday, KIRO 7 learned the driver of the SUV -- a gray Toyota Sequoia -- was 33-year-old Jeffrey Macheta.
After Macheta passed the police officer, a chase quickly began and ended just past Gravelly Lake Drive.
WSP said the SUV slammed into a semitruck, causing both vehicles to crash into the jersey barrier and back up traffic in both directions for hours.
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"Two hours to go 25 feet, that's pretty significant,” said driver Sarah Hughes.
WSDOT said crews replaced three sections of the barrier, working past midnight to get the mess cleaned up and repaired.
WSP said the semi was driven by Ronney Jones, 67. Jones drives for Girard Wood Products Inc. in Montesano.
KIRO 7 spoke to his manager, who said Jones is sore and resting, but out of the hospital.
Lakewood police said Macheta is being treated for minor injuries. Officers said once he’s released from the hospital, he will be booked on felony eluding and reckless driving charges.
KIRO 7 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
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