Two veteran Gang Unit detectives were shaken up early this morning when their car was broadsided by a Volkswagen early this morning in the intersection of 1st Avenue and Seneca Street.
The detectives were driving their black SPD Ford Crown Victoria and had just come off the viaduct, heading eastbound on Seneca Street at approximately 2:10 am. At the same time, a silver 2001 Volkswagen Beetle was travelling northbound on 1st Avenue. The two vehicles collided in the intersection, resulting in airbag deployment in both cars.
The two detectives were treated at the scene by Seattle Fire, and Medics transported both the Harborview Medical Center for evaluation. Fortunately, both sustained only minor injuries. The 42-year-old female driver of the Volkswagen, the only occupant in that car, was treated at the scene by Seattle Fire and did not need to go to the hospital. She was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer, and she was subsequently placed under arrest and processed for Driving Under the Influence after it was determined she was impaired. Detectives from the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) responded and began the collision investigation. They will have the responsibility for the continuing investigation. The intersection at 1st and Seneca was shut down for several hours while the investigation was being conducted, but the roadway has since reopened.