Three military personnel intervened after a rollover crash near DuPont as a Washington mother allegedly attacked her daughters, investigators said.
DUPONT, Wash. — Three service members are being credited with helping save two girls after prosecutors say their mother deliberately crashed an SUV on Interstate 5 and then attacked her daughters with a knife following the rollover near DuPont.
Janieka Ellington, 35, faces multiple felony charges stemming from the Oct. 5 incident in Pierce County. Court records and local reports say prosecutors charged her with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of vehicular assault and one count of felony harassment. A judge ordered Ellington held without bail while she undergoes a competency evaluation. She has not been convicted of the charges.
Investigators said Ellington was driving south on Interstate 5 with her two daughters when the SUV crashed near Center Drive. Washington State Patrol investigators said the vehicle struck a barrier and a semi-truck before rolling over. Prosecutors allege the crash was intentional and formed part of an attempt to kill the girls.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Hytower and Sgt. Ricardo Nunez were traveling nearby when they saw the crash and stopped to help. Washington National Guard combat medic Sgt. Alexis McKay also stopped at the scene. The three initially approached what appeared to be a serious traffic collision before the situation quickly changed.
McKay said she was helping one of the children when another service member warned that Ellington had a knife. Investigators allege Ellington was moving toward her 15-year-old daughter with the weapon. Hytower and Nunez intervened, disarmed Ellington and restrained her until authorities arrived.
Hytower, a practical nursing specialist who trains soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, said his military and medical training took over once he realized someone was in immediate danger. The soldiers said their focus was on stopping the threat and protecting the children rather than seeking recognition for their actions.
Court documents say Ellington’s daughters told investigators that their mother had been drinking the night before and woke them during the night because she believed people were following the family. Prosecutors allege she made threats during the drive and later intentionally crashed the vehicle. Those claims remain allegations and will have to be addressed through the court process.
Both girls were taken to a hospital after the crash and alleged attack. The Arizona’s Family report, citing KOMO, said the daughters have since been released into the care of hospital social workers while authorities work to contact other relatives. Their names have not been publicly released because they are minors.
Officials have credited the service members’ rapid intervention with preventing further harm. Hytower said the response reflected the kind of preparation soldiers receive for emergencies, while Nunez said he was grateful that several trained people happened to be at the scene and were able to work together.
Ellington remains in custody as the criminal case proceeds. A competency evaluation will determine whether she is able to understand the court proceedings and assist in her defense. Further hearings are expected later in October, while the attempted murder, vehicular assault and harassment allegations remain pending.
Author note: Last updated October 12, 2026.