Renton Man Charged With Vehicular Assault After Wrong-Way Crash

The Washington State Patrol booked a Renton man into King County Jail on charges of vehicular assault early Wednesday morning following a four-car crash on eastbound State Route 900 at the intersection with 57th Avenue South.

Drugs and alcohol played a part in the accident, allegedly caused by 34-year-old Sameth Long of Renton, reported the WSP.

Long drove his car eastbound in the westbound lane of SR 900, striking a second car head on and injuring its driver, 27-year-old Benny Ballena of Seattle. Both the driver, and 27-year-old passenger Madelline Ballena, also of Seattle, were transported to Harborview Medical Center for their injuries.

After striking the Ballena’s vehicle, Long continued to drive east in the westbound lane. He struck a second car driven by 54-year-old John Schaedler of Shoreline. As a result of the impact, Schaedler’s car collided with a third vehicle driven by 26-year old Arius Mullins of Renton. Schaedler escaped the crash without injury; however, his car needed towing. Mullins and his passengers, two children, ages 5 and 3 and 24-year-old Maray Cummings, all of Renton, were also unharmed.

The accident is still under investigation.