Honda Civic driver flees traffic stop and strikes family vehicle on 1st Avenue Southwest
December 21, 2025 | Puyallup, WA
A 21-year-old driver from Graham faces multiple charges after allegedly evading a traffic stop, leading to a serious crash that injured several family members, including young children.
Rex Charles Graydon, 21, of Graham, faces charges after fleeing a traffic stop and causing a crash that injured a family on the State Route 512 on-ramp in Puyallup.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities report that on Dec. 21, a Puyallup Police officer attempted to pull over Rex Charles Graydon, suspected of driving a Honda Civic on a suspended license. The incident unfolded around 9:55 a.m. near 1st Avenue Southwest.
- Initial Stop: Graydon briefly complied but fled when questioned about his bloodshot eyes and cannabis odor.
- Collision Details: The Civic ran a red light and struck a Honda CR-V turning onto the eastbound on-ramp to State Route 512.
- Response Time: Officers quickly apprehended Graydon at the scene.
Key details:
- Location: Intersection of 1st Avenue Southwest and State Route 512 on-ramp, Puyallup, Washington.
- Vehicles Involved: Honda Civic, driven by Graydon, and Honda CR-V, family vehicle.
- Time: Approximately 9:55 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2025.
- Agency: The Puyallup Police Department is leading the investigation.
Who Was Injured and What Were the Extent of the injuries?
The crash affected four occupants of the Honda CR-V, a family traveling together. Injuries ranged from moderate to severe, requiring immediate medical attention.
- A 3-year-old girl suffered a traumatic brain injury and skull fracture, and she was admitted to Mary Bridge Pediatric ICU.
- Her pregnant mother endured multiple injuries, leading to an emergency C-section at a local hospital, and the newborn remains under care.
- The male driver and a 6-year-old child also sustained injuries and received treatment.
No fatalities were reported, but the family's recovery process is ongoing.
What Charges Does Rex Graydon Face?
Graydon was taken into custody shortly after the collision. Prosecutors have filed several counts against him, emphasizing the reckless nature of his actions.
- Three counts of vehicular assault.
- Additional offenses related to evading police and driving with a suspended license.
- Potential further charges pending toxicology results confirming cannabis impairment.
A community support campaign has been launched via GoFundMe to aid the affected family with medical and recovery expenses.
Crash Investigation Insights
Police pursuits and evasion tactics contribute to heightened risks on roadways. The Puyallup Police Department is reviewing whether all protocols were followed during the stop and subsequent chase.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), police-involved pursuits resulted in 577 fatalities in 2022, marking a record high.
Year |
Fatalities in Police Pursuit Crashes |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
577 |
NHTSA |
2021 |
523 |
NHTSA |
2020 |
449 |
NHTSA |
This table highlights the escalating dangers, underscoring the need for strict adherence to traffic laws and pursuit guidelines.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes from evaded stops, independent investigations are crucial for establishing accountability.
“An attorney can gather essential evidence to demonstrate reckless driving, utilizing resources like witness re-interviews, surveillance footage analysis, and communication records of the at-fault party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Acting as an advocate, a lawyer provides compassionate support while staunchly defending legal rights and interests.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on these incidents:
- Evidence Collection: Vital for proving negligence in high-speed evasions.
- Insurance Negotiations: Lawyers prevent undervalued settlements from insurers.
- Victim Rights Protection: Ensures comprehensive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Protocol Review: Examines both driver and officer actions for fairness.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, emphasized the broader effects: “Injuries from such accidents disrupt every facet of life, from family dynamics to financial stability. Hiring an attorney early allows effective handling of claims against resistant insurance providers.”
Pending full investigation, affected parties may pursue personal injury claims to seek fair recompense.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Common factors in evasion-related crashes include impaired driving, suspended licenses, and failure to yield. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that distracted or impaired drivers contribute to over 30% of serious collisions annually. Educational campaigns and stricter enforcement aim to mitigate these risks.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).