By Craig Hill

The News Tribune

TACOMA — A state trooper used his vehicle to stop an SUV driven by a suspected drunken driver on Sunday morning, according to a statement released by the Washington State Patrol.

A man was found sleeping behind the wheel of a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe on the right shoulder of northbound Interstate 5 near Milepost 136 at 4:13 a.m. The trooper pulled up behind the Tahoe and medical aid units attempted to wake the driver, who had left the car in gear and had his foot on the brake, according to the report.

When the driver released the brake, the car rolled on to the road and the trooper responded in the 2016 Ford Explorer patrol vehicle. The first vehicle repeatedly struck the guard rail and jersey barrier before the trooper used his vehicle to stop the SUV. The Tahoe spun out and struck the trooper’s vehicle. Both vehicles came to a stop in the left lane of northbound I-5.

The lane was blocked for more than three hours. The Tahoe was impounded and the driver was charged with driving under the influence. The trooper drove his vehicle from the scene.

Nobody involved was injured. All were wearing seatbelts.