Driving under the influence is believed to have played a role in a crash that injured three Monday evening, according to a Washington State Patrol report.

Tacoma resident Felipe Arellano Vargas, 23, is charged with driving under the influence and vehicular assault as a result of the crash.

Vargas was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 12 at a high rate of speed with one passenger, a 23-year-old Hoquiam woman, near Hill Road in Central Park at the time of the accident, just after 7:30 p.m. on Monday. A 68-year-old Aberdeen woman was headed westbound on U.S. Highway 12, taking the left onto Hill Road, when Vargas struck her vehicle head-on.

Vargas’ vehicle, a 1990 Toyota, came to rest in the middle of the highway blocking traffic in both directions, while the second vehicle, a 2021 Honda, came to rest in the eastbound lane. Vargas was medevac’d to Tacoma General Hospital, while the passenger in Vargas’ automobile and the driver of the second vehicle were transported to local hospitals, according to the report. All parties were wearing their seatbelts, according to the news release.

Both vehicles were totalled, according to the report.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.