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Battle Ground Today
By the People, for the People
Battle Ground Police Arrest Suspect in 2025 Fatal Crash
Laboratory results from a 2025 blood sample led to the arrest of Michael T. Smith over a year later.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:48am
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The Battle Ground Police Department, with assistance from the Clark County Sheriff's Office, arrested 46-year-old Michael T. Smith in connection with a fatal two-car collision that occurred in Battle Ground in March 2025. The arrest came after investigators received laboratory results from a blood sample obtained from Smith on the day of the crash, providing probable cause for his arrest on charges of Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the use of forensic evidence to hold drivers accountable, even in cases where an arrest does not occur immediately after an incident. The fatal crash raised concerns about traffic safety and speeding in the Battle Ground community.
The details
The collision occurred on March 19, 2025, around 2:12 p.m. near the 100 block of SW 20th Avenue in Battle Ground. Officers found that two occupants of a Kia Soul, an adult male driver and an adult female passenger, had sustained significant injuries and were transported to a hospital. The passenger was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Smith, the driver of the second vehicle involved, was evaluated at the scene and was relatively unharmed. Collision analysis determined that Smith's vehicle was traveling significantly above the posted speed limit when it struck the Kia as it entered SW 20th Avenue from a private driveway.
- The collision occurred on March 19, 2025, around 2:12 p.m.
- The passenger was pronounced deceased at the hospital at 3:37 p.m. on March 19, 2025.
- In March 2026, investigators received laboratory results from the analysis of a blood sample obtained from Smith on the day of the collision.
- On March 27, 2026, the Battle Ground Police Department, with assistance from the Clark County Sheriff's Office, arrested Michael T. Smith.
The players
Michael T. Smith
A 46-year-old man who was the driver of the second vehicle involved in the fatal 2025 collision in Battle Ground.
Battle Ground Police Department
The law enforcement agency that arrested Michael T. Smith in connection with the 2025 fatal crash, with assistance from the Clark County Sheriff's Office.
Clark County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that assisted the Battle Ground Police Department in the arrest of Michael T. Smith.
Vancouver Police Department
The law enforcement agency that assisted with the investigation of the 2025 fatal collision in Battle Ground.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Michael T. Smith to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the use of forensic evidence to hold drivers accountable, even in cases where an arrest does not occur immediately after an incident. The fatal crash raised concerns about traffic safety and speeding in the Battle Ground community.
