A Washington woman allegedly stabbed a 9-year-old girl after her SUV crashed into a semi-truck and rolled over on Interstate 5 near DuPont. Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord reportedly intervened when the woman threatened two girls with a knife. The younger girl suffered multiple broken bones and a stab wound, while a 15-year-old girl was hospitalized without serious injuries. Authorities were investigating possible DUI, vehicular assault, assault and reckless endangerment allegations.
| 1) | Crash sequence and roadside attack |
| 2) | Injuries reported after the collision |
| 3) | Soldiers intervene and disarm suspect |
| 4) | Investigation and potential charges |
| 5) | Unanswered questions in the case |
Crash sequence and roadside attack
The incident occurred Monday morning, October 5, 2026, on southbound Interstate 5 near DuPont in Pierce County, Washington. Investigators said the SUV first struck the left-side barrier, moved toward the right shoulder, then crossed back across the freeway and hit a semi-truck in the middle lane. The SUV struck the barrier again and rolled over.
Officers said the woman had allegedly been driving erratically before the collision. After the rollover, she allegedly threatened two girls with a knife and stabbed the younger child. The relationship between the woman and the girls had not been specified in available reports.
Injuries reported after the collision
The 9-year-old girl sustained multiple broken bones and a stab wound, according to reports on the incident. A 15-year-old girl was also hospitalized, although her injuries were not considered serious. The reports did not provide additional details about the girls’ medical conditions.
The semi-truck driver was not injured. The woman was initially taken to a hospital for evaluation following the crash before being booked into the Pierce County Jail, according to a Tuesday morning update. The available accounts did not identify other people hurt in the collision.
Soldiers intervene and disarm suspect
Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord reportedly stopped at the crash scene and intervened as the woman allegedly threatened the girls. Witness accounts and photographs from the scene indicated that the service members restrained the woman, with one reportedly removing the knife from her possession.
Nathan Wilkinson, who said he was driving to work, told local television reporters that he saw two men in military uniforms intervene after arriving at the wreck. He said he called 911 while bystanders helped subdue the woman.
“They didn’t run away, they didn’t pass, drive on by. They stopped and helped,” Wilkinson said.
The soldiers’ names were not immediately available. Their actions drew attention because they reportedly acted before law enforcement had fully secured the scene.
Investigation and potential charges
The Washington State Patrol was investigating the crash and the events that followed it. Initial investigative categories included driving under the influence, vehicular assault and first-degree assault. By Tuesday morning, reports said the woman was expected to face two counts of assault, vehicular assault and two counts of reckless endangerment.
It was not immediately clear whether all of those charges had been formally filed. The investigation was continuing, and authorities had not publicly established the cause of the crash or explained whether impairment played a role.
Unanswered questions in the case
Several details remained unresolved, including the woman’s relationship to the two girls, the precise circumstances surrounding the alleged stabbing and whether the reported charges would change after investigators reviewed evidence. Officials also had not released the identities of the service members who intervened.
Witness statements, crash reconstruction and medical findings are expected to help investigators establish the sequence of events. The case remained under investigation as authorities assessed both the freeway collision and the alleged roadside assault.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | An SUV struck a semi-truck and rolled over near DuPont, Washington. |
| 2 | A 9-year-old girl suffered a stab wound and multiple broken bones. |
| 3 | Two soldiers reportedly restrained the woman and removed a knife. |
| 4 | The woman was booked into Pierce County Jail after hospital evaluation. |
| 5 | The crash cause, formal charges and relationship between the woman and girls remained under review. |
Summary
Authorities in Washington were investigating a serious freeway crash followed by an alleged knife attack involving two girls. The incident resulted in injuries to the younger girl and led to the woman’s detention after two soldiers reportedly intervened. Prosecutors had not clearly finalized all potential charges, while investigators continued examining the collision, possible impairment and the events at the roadside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident occur?
It occurred on southbound Interstate 5 near DuPont in Pierce County, Washington.
What injuries were reported?
A 9-year-old girl suffered multiple broken bones and a stab wound. A 15-year-old girl was hospitalized without serious injuries, and the semi-truck driver was not injured.
Who intervened at the scene?
Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord reportedly restrained the woman and disarmed her while bystanders contacted emergency services.
What charges could the woman face?
Reported potential charges included two counts of assault, vehicular assault and two counts of reckless endangerment. Possible DUI and first-degree assault allegations were also under investigation, but formal filing details were not immediately clear.