Multi-Car Accident on I-5 Near Federal Way Kills Sumner Man

A 21-year-old Renton man was booked into King County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence Sunday after causing a multi-car accident, killing 68-year-old Joseph Bartkowski of Sumner.

The crash occurred just before 2:30 p.m. Sunday as 21-year-old Stephen Palmer of Renton drove a Black 2001 Nissan Altima south on I-5 near 336th in Federal Way. Palmer reportedly lost control of his car and struck a barrier.

A second car, driven by 24-year-old Jesus Chaves of Tacoma, then struck Palmer’s car, pushing it back into the roadway.

A Kenworth tractor-trailer tanker struck Chaves’ car. The impact sent the tractor-trailer off the roadway were it rolled, struck a sound wall and home and then caught fire.

Bartkowski was driving the tractor-trailer.

Palmer's two passengers, 23-year-old Sharonda Palmer of Seattle and 21-year-old Tianne Saffrin of Algona, were injured and transported to St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. Chaves was transported to St. Francis Hospital.

Palmer’s charges are still pending and the crash remains under investigation by the Washington State Patrol.