Two people were injured and transported to the hospital following a head-on collision Sunday afternoon on U.S. Highway 12 in Thurston County, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:14 p.m. on January 19, 2026, near W. 183rd Avenue SW / Nicody Lane SW. Troopers report that a vehicle traveling eastbound on U.S. 12 crossed into the westbound lane and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on.

The collision involved a 2017 red Jeep Cherokee and a 2021 black Subaru Forester, both sustaining reportable damage. The Jeep came to rest blocking both the eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. 12, while the Subaru stopped on the right shoulder of the eastbound lanes.

As a result of the crash, U.S. 12 was fully blocked for approximately three hours and 53 minutes while emergency responders worked the scene and crews cleared the roadway.

The driver of the Jeep, identified as Todd D. Golden, 54, of Centralia, was not injured. A passenger in the Jeep was also not injured. The driver of the Subaru, Stephanie L. Crow, 46, of Cosmopolis, and a 10-year-old passenger were both injured and transported to St. Peter’s Hospital for treatment. All occupants were reported to be wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The Washington State Patrol indicated that drugs or alcohol were involved, and the listed cause of the collision was Driving Under the Influence. Golden was booked on charges including DUI and Vehicular Assault.

The incident remains under investigation by the Washington State Patrol.

This crash serves as a reminder of the serious and potentially life-altering consequences of impaired driving.