UPDATE: Driver Killed, Deputy Injured During Early Morning Chase

Update: 2:15 p.m.

The King County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Response and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal car chase that forced authorities to close a section of Martin Luther King Jr. Way South early Saturday morning.

The chase started after a driver refused to pull over for a Kent Police Officer. The officer then called the King County Sheriff’s Office for backup as he continued to follow the suspect on southbound I-5. 

King County Sheriff’s deputies joined in the pursuit and chased the suspect southbound on Martin Luther King Way. The suspect rammed a deputy’s car before continuing to flee on Martin Luther King Way toward Renton.

The deputy was transported to Harborview Medical Center for minor injuries as a result of the ramming, said Sgt. Cindi West. The deputy has since been released from the hospital and is now in good condition.

The suspect lost control of his car, went over a barrier, down and embankment and finally came to rest after hitting a tree. The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Update: 9:15 a.m.

Here's the latest update from Fire District 20:

Skyway Fire and Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department responded early Saturday morning (4 a.m.) to a car accident along SR 900. Skyway Fire Engine 22 arrived to find a vehicle down an embankment and requested assistance from Skyway Aid 22, Renton Ladder 11, Medic 5/MSO 1, Battalion 12, PIO21. King County Medics confirmed the person was deceased when firefighters and paramedics reached the vehicle. A King County Sheriffs Deputy was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with minor injuries suffered before the accident as a result of a pursuit by the Sheriff's Office and Kent Police. 

Orignial Post: Jan. 19 at 6 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Way South in Skyway is closed between 68th Avenue South and Naches Avenue N.W, following reports of a car over an embankment.

Fire District 20 crews are currently at the scene of the accident that occurred in the 13400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way shortly before 4:30 a.m. Saturday.

Motorists should avoid the area, and instead take a detour. “Detour for MLK closure is S 134th street to Renton Ave in either direction. MLK expected to be closed for hours @kcmetrobus,” Tweeted Skyway PIO Dave Nelson.

King County Metro Bus routes are also taking detours around the closure.

Patch will update this article as more information becomes available.