Fleeing Vehicle Slams Into Tractor Trailer Sunday

A 36-year-old St. Louis man was fatally injured on westbound Interstate 44 at the 241 mile marker, after fleeing from law enforcement and slamming into the rear end of a tractor trailer at 5:18 p.m. Sunday, January 27.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Thomas W. Washburn, 36, St. Louis, was operating a westbound 2007 Pontiac G6, westbound fleeing from law enforcement officers when he approached a westbound 2015 Volvo Tractor and trailer unit, operated by Eric M. Jaschen, 25, Clive, Iowa. Washburn accelerated at a high rate of speed into the right lane in which the 2015 Volvo was traveling and slammed into the rear of the tractor trailer unit. 

The Washburn vehicle then skidded to a stop in the middle of the roadway while the Jaschen tractor trailer unit came to a controlled stop on the right shoulder of the roadway.

Washburn was pronounced deceased at the accident scene at 5:44 p.m. by St. Clair Ambulance personnel.

Published reports indicated that Washburn was being pursued by St. Louis County authorities and then Eureka Police but pursuits were terminated near Pacific. Reports also indicate that the Missouri State Highway Patrol have issued an advisory that alleged Washburn wanted to be killed by police.