OLYMPIA, WA – A swift response by Washington State Patrol troopers may have saved the life of an unconscious driver during a suspected overdose incident on Interstate 5.

According to WSP, a 911 call came in reporting a vehicle being driven erratically on the southbound side of I-5. A responding trooper located the vehicle stopped on the shoulder and found the male driver unresponsive behind the wheel.

Believing the driver was experiencing a drug overdose, the trooper administered two doses of Narcan, which had no effect. A WSP sergeant arrived shortly after and provided two additional doses. When the driver remained unconscious, troopers removed him from the vehicle and continued life-saving efforts until medics arrived.

The driver regained consciousness as aid personnel arrived. He did not require hospitalization and was arrested at the scene for suspected DUI. A blood draw was authorized via search warrant before the individual was transported home. Charges will be referred to the prosecutor.

WSP emphasized that the situation could have ended far more tragically and used the incident to highlight the ongoing dangers of impaired driving and drug abuse. For information or help with substance use, resources are available at stopoverdose.org.