Suspect arrested, charged in July 8 head-on crash near Lake Ballinger

The police investigation into circumstances surrounding the July 8 head-on collision near 76th Avenue West and 231 Street Southwest has resulted in the suspected driver’s arrest and  yielded additional information about the crash and the individuals involved.

According to initial reports, the crash occurred shortly before 1 pm, and involved a stolen 2012 Chrysler 300 sedan and a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck. The vehicles apparently collided when the Chrysler crossed the center line.

The Chrysler was carrying three occupants, two of whom were juveniles. One, a 16-year-old female, suffered a broken nose. The other, a 14-year-old male, tried to escape on foot but was chased down and apprehended by two residents of the area. The third occupant, apparently the driver, escaped on foot. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the car.

According to Sgt. Mark Marsh of the Edmonds Police Department, the driver of the pickup truck, a 67-year-old male Edmonds resident, suffered a broken neck and lacerations. The two juveniles also suffered injuries, but these were less severe. The female, a Seattle resident, had a broken nose and facial swelling. The male, who lives in Lynnwood, had bruising on his chest. All three were hospitalized for evaluation and treatment.

The driver of the stolen Chrysler, initially identified by his street name “Hazard”, has now been identified as 18-year-old Joshua Trevon Munoz of Seattle. He was apprehended on July 12 in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood by Seattle police, who then turned him over to Edmonds police. He has been charged with six felonies including vehicular assault, hit and run, possession of controlled substances and possession of stolen property.

Munoz remains in custody in the Snohomish County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.

— By Larry Vogel