Two passing soldiers stopped a knife attack on a 9-year-old moments after a violent crash on Interstate 5 near DuPont, Washington, according to state patrol reports.
Story Snapshot
- Washington State Patrol says a 35-year-old woman crashed on I-5, then attacked two girls with a knife.
- Two soldiers intervened and disarmed the suspect, stopping the roadside assault.
- The 9-year-old suffered broken bones and a stab wound; a 15-year-old was also hurt but not seriously.
- Officials investigated driving under the influence, vehicular assault, and first-degree assault, with later reports of attempted murder charges.
Crash And Immediate Aftermath On A Busy Interstate
Washington State Patrol said the crash happened around 9 a.m. on southbound Interstate 5 near DuPont. Reporters cited patrol briefings that the driver, a 35-year-old woman from Steilacoom, lost control and the vehicle came to a stop after striking another vehicle and barriers. Moments later, officials said, the driver attacked two girls who had been in the vehicle with a knife. Coverage described a chaotic scene in active traffic as drivers swerved and pulled over to avoid the wreckage.
Local outlets reported the same core facts while noting small differences in how the collision unfolded. Some reports said the sport utility vehicle clipped a semi-truck after hitting the left shoulder barrier. Others described a rollover before the impact with the truck. Those accounts aligned on the key point: a serious crash occurred on the interstate, and an attack on the children followed at the roadside.
Injuries To Children And On-Scene Rescue
Washington State Patrol briefings relayed by local media said the 9-year-old girl had multiple broken bones and a stab wound. She was taken to a hospital for treatment. A 15-year-old girl was also hospitalized, with reports indicating her injuries were not life-threatening. Troopers said the suspect was transported for evaluation before booking. That sequence, from crash to attack to medical transport, was consistent across several outlets that cited patrol officials.
Two soldiers traveling the same stretch of highway stopped and intervened during the attack. Reports credited the soldiers with taking the knife and restraining the suspect until law enforcement arrived. Some accounts said they disarmed her, while others said they held her down. Each version pointed to the same outcome: quick action by bystanders, including soldiers from nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord, prevented more harm to the girls.
Charges And The Investigation Path
State patrol officials said they were investigating driving under the influence, vehicular assault, and first-degree assault. Later reporting named the suspect as Janieka Ellington, 35, and said prosecutors added attempted murder and vehicular assault to the list of charges. The addition of attempted murder reflects an escalation from the earliest descriptions, which focused on likely assault and impaired driving inquiries tied to the crash and the knife attack.
Washington law requires officers to file formal collision reports after injury crashes, which can be supplemented as evidence develops. That process helps explain why early coverage can agree on the main facts while charge details evolve as investigators gather statements and medical records. The Washington State Patrol collision records system and the state law on accident reports outline how those sworn reports enter the record and support later charging decisions.
Why This Incident Grabs Public Attention
This event hits several public nerves at once: child victims, a busy highway, and soldiers stepping in when seconds mattered. People across the political spectrum worry that basic safety feels fragile, whether on the road or in their own neighborhoods. This case also shows how first responders and trained citizens can still make a life-saving difference. The focus now turns to the courts and to recovery for the children as the investigation proceeds and prosecutors press their case.
The story also illustrates a common news pattern. Early reports rely on police summaries and witnesses. Core facts are firm enough to guide the public, but line-by-line details of the crash mechanics and final charge list can shift. Here, the steady themes are the same across outlets: a crash near DuPont, a knife attack on two girls, swift help from soldiers and bystanders, and a suspect facing serious felonies as authorities build the full record.
Sources:
fox13seattle.com, kiro7.com, komonews.com
