TACOMA, Wash. – A dangerous and unusual incident shut down part of State Route 16 Sunday morning, after a pedestrian was accused of throwing hundreds of nails onto the busy freeway.
Incident Unfolds on SR 16
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the event occurred just before 8:00 a.m. in the westbound lanes of SR 16, just west of the South Union Avenue overpass in Tacoma.
Troopers responding to reports of debris on the roadway discovered piles of nails scattered across the pavement, forcing immediate traffic restrictions to protect drivers. The right-hand westbound lane and the off-ramp onto South Union Avenue were closed while crews worked to clear the hazard.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
Investigators say the source of the nails was not an accident but a deliberate act. Witnesses and troopers observed a pedestrian walking along the freeway, who allegedly threw the nails onto the road surface.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was quickly taken into custody. He was booked into jail and faces a charge of malicious mischief, a felony that can carry serious penalties given the potential risk to public safety.
Cleanup and Response
Authorities called in a street-sweeping vehicle to assist with the cleanup operation. Crews worked for hours to ensure that the roadway was safe for drivers before reopening the lanes.
The WSP later shared images of the incident, including photographs of piles of nails covering the roadway. In one photo, a heap of sharp metal debris sits in the foreground, underscoring just how many nails had been dumped onto the busy highway.
Despite the size of the debris field, officials said they had not received reports of vehicles suffering flat tires or accidents caused by the nails. Troopers believe the swift closure of the lane and off-ramp likely prevented damage or collisions.
Potential for Disaster
While the incident ended without injuries, troopers emphasized just how dangerous the situation could have been. Hundreds of vehicles use SR 16 each hour, and nails across multiple lanes had the potential to cause sudden blowouts, crashes, and major traffic backups.
Had the suspect tossed the nails from the overpass above, authorities noted, the debris could have spilled onto South Union Avenue, creating even more hazards. Fortunately, investigators determined that was not the case.
Community Reaction
The bizarre nature of the event sparked frustration among commuters, who experienced delays during the cleanup. Many also expressed disbelief at the recklessness of deliberately endangering drivers in such a way.
“This could have been deadly,” one Tacoma driver commented on social media after WSP posted about the arrest. “It’s not just property damage—you could cause a pileup doing something like this.”
Local residents echoed concerns about highway safety, noting that even small amounts of debris can lead to severe accidents when traveling at freeway speeds.
Investigation Continues
The suspect is being held at a local jail while the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the case. Charges of first- or second-degree malicious mischief are expected, depending on the final evaluation of damages and risk.
Authorities have not yet provided a motive for the act, nor have they released details about whether the suspect has a history of similar behavior. WSP troopers are also reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to build their case.
Highway Safety Awareness
The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly routine travel can turn dangerous when foreign objects appear on the roadway. Even a handful of nails can puncture tires and trigger accidents. Hundreds of nails, thrown deliberately into traffic lanes, multiply the danger exponentially.
Officials are encouraging drivers to report suspicious behavior on highways immediately by dialing 911 or contacting the Washington State Patrol’s non-emergency line. Quick reporting, they said, was a key factor in preventing damage during Sunday’s incident.
A Close Call for Drivers
By Sunday afternoon, traffic on SR 16 had returned to normal, but the unsettling memory of the morning lingered for many who traveled the route. What could have been a multi-car pileup or serious accident instead ended with only traffic delays and one suspect in custody.
For now, the pedestrian accused of tossing the nails awaits formal charges, while troopers continue their investigation.
As one WSP official put it:
“We’re grateful no one was hurt. But this could have been a tragedy, and we take it very seriously.”
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