Jeffrey Macheta and Ronney Jones Hospitalized after Car Collision on 5 Freeway near Gravelly Lake Drive [Lakewood, WA]

2 Injured in Lakewood Car Accident

LAKEWOOD, WA (February 8, 2019) – Two men sustained injuries in a car accident that led to an hour-long standoff on 5 Freeway near Gravelly Lake Drive on February 5.

The standoff led to the partial closure of 5 Freeway for another seven hours while clearing up operations occurred.

33-year-old Jeffrey W. Macheta and 67-year-old Ronney L. Jones were transported to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lews-McChord after the collision and standoff, Washington State Patrol public information officer Creighton Wells revealed.

According to reports, the standoff and backups started about 4:00 p.m. when Macheta reportedly drove past a Lakewood police officer on 5 Freeway at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The officer initiated a chase and eventually caught up to Macheta near Gravelly Lake Drive. Meanwhile, Machera hit his gray 2003 Toyota Sequoia into a white 2016 Freightliner semi which was pulling two flatbed trailers.

After the crash, Jones turned his Freightliner to the median and became high-centered, which blocked the lanes in both directions.

When the afternoon/evening rush hour was starting, law enforcement told commuters to avoid 5 Freeway.

Macheta reportedly stayed in his Toyota, allegedly threatening to hurt himself using the knife. Macheta talked with police negotiators for more than an hour before finally surrendering and was transported into custody shortly before 5:30 p.m.

Macheta was transported to the hospital following the incident. Macheta was not facing any charges or was booked into Pierce County jail as of this time.

The clearing-up operation which lasted until around midnight was administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation crews.

Habits like distracted driving, speeding and DUI can lead to road accidents. Such habits are causes of disastrous incidents involving major injuries, damage and deaths. That is why it is important to drive defensively/abide by all driving laws to ensure your safety and the safety of surrounding vehicles, motorists, and pedestrians.

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