vets transport van in I-5 crash

State troopers say a driver tried but failed to steal a car from the side of the freeway this morning after triggering a major collision on I-5.

Cleaning up the accident forced emergency crews to close all southbound lanes of I-5 for about an hour.

"I don't know what to make of it. I really question some of the motives people have out there on the roadway," said Trooper Chris Webb. "Sometimes there are just no answers."

Witnesses told officers the woman driving a Subaru Forester was speeding southbound near the S. 272nd St. exit about 8 a.m., when she tried to pass several cars in the emergency lane.

She lost control and allegedly ran into a van, causing her Subaru to roll over.

Witnesses say the driver of the SUV then tried to leave the scene.

"After she rolled the car she got out of that car, and apparently tried to steal a car from an innocent bystander who had stopped to help during the collision," Trooper Webb said. "The only reason she was not able to take that car is the person had taken the keys out of the car. "

The woman was arrested and booked on suspicion of reckless driving, hit-and-run, and attempted auto theft.

She sustained only minor injuries. The driver of the van also escaped serious injury.

Troopers say the van was brand new and especially equipped to accommodate disabled veterans. The driver had just dropped off a passenger shortly before the accident.

Officers say the van appears to be totaled, a loss of about $80,000. They believe it is the property of the Veterans Administration.