Mom Jailed In Renton Crash That Left Child Critically Injured

RENTON, WA - A woman was arrested and jailed on Monday for her role in a horrific car crash that left her child critically injured. The suspect and two other people were injured in the crash, which involved three vehicles. Renton police believe that speed, alcohol, and marijuana may all be factors in the crash.

The woman was booked around 12:30 p.m., according to King County jail records, and is being held for investigation of vehicular assault. She was denied bail, according to jail records.

The crash happened Friday night along SR 169 - also called Maple Valley Highway - near Southeast 5th Street. Police say the woman crossed over the center line and crashed into oncoming traffic. The crash closed Maple Valley Highway for several hours Friday between I-405 and Southeast 5th Street.

The stretch of SR 169 just east of I-405 is notorious, and has been the scene of a number of fatal and violent car crashes. Over the weekend, a man named Paul Behr stood along the side of SR 169 near the scene of the crash holding a sign asking drivers to slow down.

"The sign says 'Car accidents and fatalities have become too common on this highway, 169,' " Behr told KIRO 7. "'And to slow it down.'"

Hundreds of people commented about the accident on the Renton police Facebook page, with many saying that accidents have become too common along the road - largely due in part of reckless driving.

"I think this highway is the most dangerous. When I travel it I pray; people think the speed limit is 60 but it's only 50. Then they drive like they are in the speedway ... so dangerous," wrote Teresa Peterson.

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