A man accused of causing a car crash that killed a woman and a child in Lakewood has been charged.
Shaun Duane Lakey, 32, was arrested on Saturday and booked into Pierce County Jail for a crash on Friday. A plea of not guilty was submitted on Lakey's behalf during his arraignment on Tuesday. He is being held on a $200,000 bail.
A witness who was driving south on Lakewood Drive West when a Chevrolet van passed him. The van was driving in the northbound lanes at about 100 mph and ran a red light, according to a declaration for determination of probable cause. The van collided with a black Honda Accord. Other witnesses reported to police that the Chevrolet was driving at a high rate of speed.
A Lakewood police officer found a 2001 Chevrolet on its side when she arrived at Lakewood Drive West and 75th Street West at around 10 p.m. A witness told the officer that he broke the window out of the van to help the driver exit.
Prosecutors wrote that the driver was Lakey. His eyes were glassy and he appeared to be in a daze. Lakey allegedly said he was having an "experience" and that he was the most "relaxed monk" and had reached Nirvana. Lakey was taken to the hospital for a laceration on his arm and a warrant was granted for a sample of his blood.
The Honda was carrying the woman, a man and two children. The woman was taken to the hospital but died from her injuries. Her husband was taken to Tacoma General Hospital for a head injury, and the children were transported to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. One of the children, who was a 1-year-old, died later from their injuries, court documents show.
The status of the other child is unknown.
Lakey is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault.
