A 47-year-old man under state supervision has been charged with second-degree murder after a fatal collision that occurred during a brief pursuit by Pierce County sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday morning.
Donald Wayne Rownan of Forks now faces eight criminal counts stemming from the incident that claimed the life of a 20-year-old Pacific Lutheran University student near the intersection of 112th Street and Ainsworth Avenue South in Parkland.
According to charging documents filed by Pierce County prosecutors, Rownan acknowledged fleeing from law enforcement because he feared being returned to prison. A Washington State Patrol trooper documented Rownan’s response in an arrest report, noting the suspect appeared to deflect responsibility for the tragedy.
“Rownan’s demeanor appeared as if he did not care and did not believe it was his fault,” the trooper wrote, adding that Rownan suggested authorities bore some culpability by pursuing him. The trooper expressed surprise at what he described as a lack of accountability.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday when a Pierce County deputy attempted a traffic stop on Rownan’s Chrysler 300 sedan near 112th Street and Steel Street. The sheriff’s office reports that Rownan immediately accelerated eastbound on 112th Street as soon as emergency lights were activated.
Within seconds, Rownan’s vehicle ran a red light at the Ainsworth Avenue intersection and struck a silver Toyota Corolla broadside. The impact proved fatal for the Toyota’s driver, later identified as Paola Parbol Arredondo, a Pacific Lutheran University student.
Deputies apprehended Rownan after he allegedly fled the crash scene on foot. Two passengers in his vehicle sustained injuries requiring hospitalization.
During questioning by Washington State Patrol investigators, Rownan reportedly admitted to fleeing both the deputy and the crash scene.
Charging documents indicate he told investigators he had repeatedly violated his Community Custody conditions—Washington’s equivalent of parole—and feared a two-year prison sentence.
A trooper at the scene suspected Rownan was under the influence of methamphetamine. Investigators also recovered drug paraphernalia from the vehicle.
Pierce County prosecutors filed an eight-count criminal complaint Thursday morning. In addition to second-degree murder, Rownan faces charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault while under the influence, failure to remain at the scene of a fatal accident, failure to remain at the scene of an injury accident, attempting to elude police, escape from community custody, and reckless driving.
Rownan appeared in Pierce County Superior Court on Thursday, entering not guilty pleas to all charges. A court commissioner established bail at $750,000.
Records from the Washington Department of Corrections show Rownan had been the subject of three separate warrants for failing to report to his Community Custody officer since his release from prison in May. The most recent warrant was issued September 2.
Rownan’s previous incarceration stemmed from a 2023 King County conviction for possession of a stolen vehicle and identity theft.
Gabriel Pangelinan, Arredondo’s boyfriend, told reporters his girlfriend was traveling to classes at Pacific Lutheran University when the collision occurred. He recalled their final moments together that morning, when she kissed him goodbye.
“I told her, ‘Be safe, I’ll see you after you get home,’” Pangelinan said.
Pacific Lutheran University issued a statement Thursday expressing grief over the loss. The university described Arredondo as a valued community member who will be deeply missed and encouraged students to utilize available support services.
A public vigil honoring Arredondo’s memory is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of 112th Street and Ainsworth Avenue South.
