‘Could Have Not Chased Me’: Washington Man Blames Police After High-Speed Pursuit Kills College Student
PARKLAND, WASHINGTON — A 47-year-old Washington man accused of causing a deadly high-speed crash that killed a 20-year-old college student is now facing a string of felony charges — but insists that law enforcement is to blame for the tragedy.
The suspect, identified as Donald Wayne Rownan, was charged with murder, vehicular homicide, DUI, reckless driving, and multiple hit-and-run counts after he allegedly sped through a red light while fleeing deputies in Pierce County. The crash killed Paola Parbol Arredondo, a student at Pacific Lutheran University, who was on her way to class Wednesday morning.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Tragedy
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to pull Rownan over for an outstanding warrant on Oct. 15 in Parkland, just south of Tacoma.
Instead, he took off in his Chrysler 300, reaching speeds of 75 to 80 mph, according to charging documents. Within 30 seconds, the pursuit ended in devastation when Rownan blew through a red light at the intersection of 112th Street and Ainsworth Avenue South, slamming into a Toyota Corolla driven by Arredondo.
“She woke me up with a kiss goodbye,” her boyfriend told KOMO News. “I told her, ‘Be safe, I’ll see you after you get home.’”
Arredondo was pronounced dead at the scene. Rownan tried to flee on foot, but deputies quickly arrested him about a block away, authorities said.
“We were not able to control what that suspect did, the reckless decisions they made, and choosing to blow through that red light,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said.
Suspect Blames Police for Fatal Crash
After his arrest, Rownan allegedly showed no remorse, according to a Washington State Patrol trooper who interviewed him.
“Rownan’s demeanor appeared as if he did not care and did not believe it was his fault,” the trooper wrote in the report. “He stated something along the lines of, ‘You guys could have not chased me.’”
Authorities said Rownan had been arrested 36 times prior to this week’s crash and was on community custody supervision (parole) for previous convictions related to identity theft and possession of a stolen vehicle.
He was released from prison in May but reportedly failed to report to his parole officer, leading to three separate warrants before the fatal incident.
Victim Remembered as Compassionate and Driven
Friends and family of Paola Parbol Arredondo described her as a bright, caring student who loved working with children.
A GoFundMe page launched in her memory says she was studying criminal justice and social services while working part-time at a daycare.
“She is a very compassionate, humble, and respectful individual who will be missed by many,” the fundraiser reads.
Her death has sparked outrage across the community, with many questioning why such a dangerous offender was free and able to reoffend.
This heartbreaking case has reignited debate over police pursuit policies and accountability for repeat offenders. Stay updated with more justice and community stories at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.