Two soldiers pulled a knife away from a mother accused of stabbing her own daughter moments after crashing her SUV on Interstate 5 in Washington state.
Story Snapshot
- A 35-year-old Steilacoom woman, later identified as Janieka Ellington, crashed her SUV on southbound I-5 near DuPont around 9 a.m.
- Washington State Patrol says she then attacked two girls with a knife, a 9-year-old and a 15-year-old, right after the crash.
- The 9-year-old suffered multiple broken bones and a stab wound; the 15-year-old was hospitalized without serious injuries.
- Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord stopped at the scene and took the knife away from her.
- She faces charges including attempted murder, vehicular assault, and driving under the influence.
Crash And Attack Unfold On I-5
The crash happened on southbound Interstate 5 near DuPont at about 9 a.m. Washington State Patrol says Ellington’s SUV struck a concrete barrier and rolled before hitting a semi truck. Right after the vehicle stopped, troopers say she pulled out a knife and went after the two girls riding with her.
Children Suffer Serious Injuries
The younger victim, a 9-year-old girl, suffered multiple broken bones along with a stab wound during the attack. A 15-year-old girl was also hurt but did not suffer serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Investigators have not released the exact relationship between the suspect and the two girls in every report, though some coverage describes them as her daughters.
Soldiers Step In To Stop The Attack
Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord happened to be nearby and saw the crash unfold. They rushed to the scene and physically removed the knife from the woman’s hands, stopping the attack before troopers arrived. Their quick action likely kept the situation from becoming far worse for the two girls involved.
Washington State Patrol has credited bystanders and the soldiers with helping protect the children until officers could take control of the scene. The case highlights how ordinary people, including off-duty service members, sometimes become the first line of defense when violence breaks out in public.
Investigators Describe The Crash As Intentional
One report states that investigators believe Ellington “purposely crashed her vehicle into a concrete barrier” before attacking the girls, suggesting the collision and the stabbing were connected rather than separate, random events. This detail shapes how prosecutors are approaching the case moving forward.
Charges Expected To Include Attempted Murder
Washington State Patrol initially said Ellington was under investigation for driving under the influence, vehicular assault, and first-degree assault. Later reporting named her formally and said she faces attempted murder and vehicular assault charges, a more serious charge set than first described. The exact final charges will depend on what prosecutors file in Pierce County court.
Suspect Evaluated Before Booking
Ellington was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being booked into Pierce County Jail, a standard step when a suspect may need treatment after a violent incident. The investigation into the crash itself, including whether impairment played a role, remains open as the case moves through the legal system.
This case lands at a moment when stories of sudden roadside violence and quick-acting bystanders tend to spread fast, often before full court records are public. The core facts here, a crash, a knife attack on children, and soldiers stepping in to stop it, are well supported by Washington State Patrol’s own description of events to multiple local outlets.
Sources:
fox13seattle.com, kiro7.com, komonews.com
© unitedfrontnews.com 2026. All rights reserved.
