The Washington State Patrol is investigating a head-on crash between two vehicles that occurred before noon on Friday that may have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.

The crash occurred on state Route 109 near Ocean City, according to the incident report from the WSP. One vehicle, a 2015 Honda, driven by a 30-year-old Lakewood man, was southbound on 109 at a high rate of speed, failed to take the corner, and struck the second vehicle, a 2000 Chevrolet, driven northbound by a 77-year-old Hoquiam man, square on. The two vehicles came to rest in the road following the collision, according to the report.

“We’re investigating it as a vehicular assault,” said Trooper Katherine Weatherwax, District 8 public information officer for the WSP.

The passengers in both vehicles, a 32-year-old woman and an 88-year-old Hoquiam woman respectively, were transported for further care following the crash, one with minor injuries and one with severe injuries, Weatherwax said. Seatbelts were in use by all four people involved in the crash.

There are charges for vehicular assault pending against the driver of the first vehicle, 30-year-old Michael L. Ellison, awaiting the results of the investigation, Weatherwax said, with blood taken at the scene. All vehicles were totalled, and were towed from the scene.

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