High-Speed Chase on I-5 Ends in Rollover Crash

Two injured after car reaches over 100 mph, hits barrier and flips in Southwest Washington

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A high-speed police chase on Interstate 5 in Southwest Washington ended in a rollover crash that injured two people on Tuesday morning. The chase began when officers from the Castle Rock Police Department attempted to stop a white 2014 Nissan Altima traveling northbound on I-5. The vehicle later overturned into the southbound lanes, where it came to a stop. The chase reached speeds of more than 100 mph before the driver struck a rear-end collision, hit a Jersey barrier, and flipped the car.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases pose significant risks to public safety, often resulting in injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. This incident highlights the need for law enforcement to carefully weigh the dangers of pursuits against the potential benefits, and for drivers to exercise caution and comply with officers to avoid escalating dangerous situations.

The details

According to the Washington State Patrol, the chase began in Cowlitz County when Castle Rock police tried to stop the Nissan Altima. The vehicle later struck the rear of another car near milepost 81, hit a Jersey barrier, and flipped into the southbound lanes of I-5, where traffic was approaching. A third vehicle was also reportedly struck by flying debris from the crash. The driver and one adult passenger suffered injuries, but no fatalities were reported. Authorities believe drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

  • The chase began around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The crash occurred near milepost 81 on Interstate 5 in Southwest Washington.

The players

Castle Rock Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit of the Nissan Altima.

Washington State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that investigated the high-speed chase and rollover crash.

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What they’re saying

“If we didn't have such a big truck, it would have shaken our car. It was so fast. I was like, 'Holy crap,'”

— Laura Garifalakis (kptv.com)

“That's what we're worried about when we saw him fly by like he's going to hurt some innocent people. Hopefully everybody is safe, and hopefully whatever he did, now he's locked up.”

— Laura Garifalakis (kptv.com)

What’s next

Investigators will continue to look into the factors that led to the high-speed chase, including whether drugs or alcohol were involved. The driver and passengers will likely face criminal charges related to the incident.

The takeaway

This dangerous high-speed chase on I-5 underscores the risks that reckless driving and police pursuits pose to public safety. It serves as a reminder for drivers to obey traffic laws and for law enforcement to carefully weigh the dangers of chases against the potential benefits to the community.