Battle Ground man charged in fatal 2025 crash

Michael Ted Smith faces vehicular homicide and assault allegations from March 2025 collision.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:04pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the jagged glass fragments conceptually representing the tragic aftermath of a vehicular collision.The aftermath of a fatal collision exposes the human cost of dangerous driving in Battle Ground.Battle Ground Today

A 46-year-old Battle Ground man, Michael Ted Smith, has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in relation to a fatal collision that occurred in March 2025 near the 100 block of Southwest 20th Avenue in Battle Ground, Washington. Smith made his first court appearance on Monday and had his bail set at $50,000.

Why it matters

Vehicular homicide cases often spark intense public scrutiny and debates around road safety, driver accountability, and potential reforms to traffic laws. This incident will likely raise concerns in the Battle Ground community about dangerous driving and the need for stricter enforcement.

The details

According to court records, Smith has no known prior criminal convictions. He was arrested at his workplace in the Hazel Dell area on Friday, following the return of lab results from a blood sample taken on the day of the crash. Smith is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

  • The fatal collision occurred on March 19, 2025.
  • Smith made his first court appearance on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Smith was arrested on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Michael Ted Smith

A 46-year-old Battle Ground resident who has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in relation to a fatal collision in March 2025.

Judge Robert Lewis

The judge who set Smith's bail at $50,000 during his first court appearance.

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What’s next

Smith is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences of dangerous driving and the need for increased road safety measures and enforcement in the Battle Ground community.