Wrong-way driver hits 9-10 cars on I-5 in Seattle, causing long backups

SEATTLE - A driver was arrested after hitting 9-10 cars while driving the wrong way on Interstate 5 on Wednesday night, the Washington State Patrol said.

Trooper Rick Johnson said there were some minor injuries, and backups were lengthy.

The driver headed south in the northbound lanes of I-5 between I-90 and S. Columbian Way, eventually crashing at the Columbian exit.

Johnson said the 22-year-old driver was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI-drugs. The State Patrol applied for a search warrant to obtain a blood sample from the suspect, he said.

Troopers at first said that up to 20 cars were hit by the driver, but later clarified to say it appeared there were 9 to 10 vehicles struck. They said there were multiple scenes to investigate.

This breaking news story will be updated.