UPDATE: Flipped-car crash in North Admiral, driver arrested

9:04 PM: Police are on their way to what’s reported as a flipped-car crash in the 2100 block of 46th SW. The vehicle is described as a Toyota RAV-4 and dispatchers say callers reported the driver got out safely and does not want medical attention, so SFD is not going. The driver may have hit parked cars. We’re en route to look.

9:13 PM: SPD has called for SFD, saying the crashed vehicle “is a hybrid and it’s still running.”

9:28 PM: Added our crew’s photo atop the story. They report a tow truck arriving. … And below, a texted photo (thanks!):

9:35 PM: Police tell our crew the driver was arrested. He’s under investigation for possible DUI.

9:54 PM: Here’s reader video of the flipped car being righted by a tow crew:

Alki resident September 26, 2025 (10:08 pm)

Of all the ways to get around, I’m glad he didn’t kill anyone.

1994 September 26, 2025 (10:55 pm)

Thanks for sharing the video of tow truck flipping the car back on its wheels. I thought maybe there was a giant magnet at the end of the tow truck arm but maybe not. Interesting to watch!

kap September 27, 2025 (7:19 am)

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Agreed! That’s got to be really challenging to do when there are other cars around/narrow spaces too!

ltmmgm September 27, 2025 (7:11 am)

WOW that was some very impressive work flipping the car right-side up!

Mellow Kitty September 27, 2025 (8:19 am)

Drunk drivers are selfish and evil. They kill people.

Question Authority September 27, 2025 (8:50 am)

If that car wasn’t already totaled due to all the fluids in all the wrong locations, it is now with a giant hole in it’s roof.

Neighbor September 27, 2025 (9:19 am)

The man was a single occupant going south on 46th. I assume this happened: He crashed into a north-facing parked car running into the front driver-side corner. Appears his wheel went up the parked car and he flipped himself. He then crashed into another car on opposite side of the street. He said he was alone and okay. He eventually climbed out while I was talking with 911. The police came in minutes. He declined medical checkup. He said he had been drinking earlier. He declined the further assessment by police (breathalyzer or field sobriety test). He said to police I know what you’re gonna do so let’s just get it over with. He also said he had no drivers license but only a passport, and that he lived a few blocks away. The police handcuffed him and took him away. He was calm and cooperative throughout the entire process. He looked dazed from the crash but did not seem grossly impaired to me (though I did not speak directly with him). The police retrieved his cellphone from the car. The car had Texas plates. The police officers and firefighters were all great. Thank you to all of them!Seattle Police Department. Officers are investigating this incident (Reference Number 25-282469).