Victim, Driver In Fatal I-5 Crash In Lakewood Identified

LAKEWOOD, WA - Police have identified the driver who allegedly caused a crash along I-5 Thursday morning that left three people dead. Montrell T. Red, 23, of Tacoma, is facing multiple charges in connection to the crash, plus charges based on outstanding warrants.

According to Washington State Patrol, Red was driving southbound on I-5 around 2:30 a.m. Thursday when he crossed all lanes of traffic and hit an SUV. Red allegedly kept driving southbound, but the SUV flipped over and struck the New York Avenue overpass.

The force of the crash was so great, the SUV's engine was ejected onto the northbound lanes of I-5.

The driver of the SUV was identified Thursday night by Washington State Patrol as Jaime V. Pelayo, 30, of Kelso. The 44-year-old and 51-year-old passengers had not yet by identified.

Police believe Red was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition to DUI and hit-and-run, he is facing charges of vehicular homicide, drug possession, marijuana possession, and possession of a firearm.

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