The Washington State Patrol says a possibly intoxicated motorist veered off an I-5 exit ramp, hitting a homeless person's tent near the freeway exit, killing them early Monday morning.

Officials say the person was camped near the road by the Northbound Northeast 50th street ramp when they were hit. The driver fled the scene, leaving their damaged car behind. Images from KING-5 TV showed the front end of the car badly crumpled, as the driver also hit a tree in the process.

The State Patrol says the driver was later located at their home, and had the smell of alcohol on his breath. He was taken to Harborview Medical center for an evaluation, but didn't say if he was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

The investigation continues. Homeless people camping alongside Seattle and even Portland roadways has become a growing safety issue over the last few years. In July of this year, several Seattle media outlets reported on the growing safety issue of such people camping too close to the freeway, and even wandering out into traffic.

 

More From 97.1 KXRX