State troopers collide in chase near Lynnwood

LYNNWOOD — Two state troopers suffered minor injuries when their cars collided early Tuesday as they were rushing to help in a stolen car chase near Lynnwood, a Washington State Patrol spokesman said.

The patrol cars collided at an intersection when one failed to make a turn and were totaled in the crash, said Trooper Mark Francis.

The two troopers were treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and released. One man had a concussion and broken finger and the other had bruised legs, Francis said.

The incident began just after midnight when another trooper pulled over a car on Interstate 5 south of Everett. One passenger got out, but the driver took off after the black Dodge Avenger was identified as stolen.

It left the freeway in the Lynnwood area where the troopers collided. They were not directly involved in the chase, but were on their way to help, Francis said.

Meanwhile, the stolen car returned to Interstate 5 and got away after speeding through Seattle at up to 120 mph.

The passenger who got out of the car at the initial stop said he swallowed heroin. The Normandy Park man, 27, was treated at a hospital and held. He could be charged in the stolen car case, Francis said.