Man charged with vehicular homicide in fatal New Years Day crash near University Place

Todd James Pearson, a 57-year-old man, was charged with vehicular homicide on January 2, 2025, after a fatal crash on New Year's Day near University Place. The Tacoma police report indicates that Pearson was driving a Dodge Ram and is suspected of being impaired when he lost control while attempting to pass a Subaru aggressively. Witnesses observed him speeding prior to the collision, which caused both vehicles to flip onto their sides. The driver of the Subaru was pronounced dead at the scene, while Pearson suffered non-serious injuries and was later booked into jail. During the investigation, Pearson displayed signs of intoxication, including disorientation and slurred speech.

He admitted to drinking a bloody mary cocktail three hours before the crash, and a voluntary breath sample indicated a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Pearson entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment, with bail set at $100,000. His previous DUI conviction in 2014 may influence the legal proceedings.