LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood resident Trudy Slanger, 83, was killed after kidnapping and domestic violence assault suspect, Robert Rowland, 37, of Kenmore, stuck her vehicle in a head-on collision fleeing from law enforcement around 8 p.m., Thursday, April 11, at SR-525 and 148th Street SW in unincorporated Lynnwood. Rowland is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the fatal crash.

Earlier, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office deputies had been pursuing Rowland for Assault 1 DV and kidnapping of an adult female victim, 34, of Monroe, who was inside the suspect’s vehicle at the time of the crash, the Sheriff’s Office informed the Lynnwood Times. Sheriff deputies terminated pursuit of Rowland’s vehicle when it veered onto oncoming traffic on SR- 525 in the wrong direction—heading southbound onto northbound SR-525.

🚨SR525 at 148th St SW is fully blocked for a two car fatality collision. N525 is diverted to Alderwood Mall Parkway. S525 is diverted to SR99. No ETA for roadway to reopen. Please avoid the area while troopers investigate this tragic collision.

— Trooper Kelsey Harding (@wspd7pio) April 12, 2024

Trudy Slanger was traveling in her vehicle northbound on SR-525 when it was struck head-on by Rowland. The suspect’s vehicle then rolled over, caught fire, and came to a rest on top of barrier dividing northbound and southbound lanes. SR-525 was closed in both directions for several hours as traffic was diverted to HWY 99 and Alderwood Mall Parkway. All traffic was diverted to Alderwood Mall Parkway from around 9:00 p.m. Thursday night until about 3 a.m., Friday morning.

The fatal incident, now being investigated by the Washington State Patrol, left Slanger dead with Rowland, injured, transported to Harborview Medical Center and his female passenger, also injured, transported to Providence.

Rowland is now facing additional charges of vehicular DV, DUI, and Murder 2.

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