In March 2026, investigators received laboratory results from the analysis of a blood sample obtained from Michael T. Smith on the day of the collision, giving investigators probable cause for the arrest
On Friday (March 27) at about 6:30 a.m., the Battle Ground Police Department, with assistance from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 46-year-old Michael T. Smith in connection with a fatal collision that occurred in 2025.
The arrest stems from a two-car collision that occurred on March 19, 2025, at approximately 2:12 p.m., near the 100 block of SW 20th Avenue in Battle Ground. Upon arrival, officers discovered that two occupants of Kia Soul – an adult male (driver) and an adult female (passenger) – had sustained significant injuries and were transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The passenger was pronounced deceased at the hospital at 3:37 p.m. that afternoon. The driver was treated for serious injuries and survived.
Smith, the driver of the second vehicle involved in the collision, was evaluated by medical personnel at the scene and was relatively unharmed.
Due to the severity of the injuries resulting from the collision, deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department Traffic Units were brought in to assist with the investigation. Collision analysis determined that Smith’s vehicle was traveling significantly above the posted speed limit when it struck the Kia as it entered SW 20th Avenue from a private driveway.
In March 2026, investigators received laboratory results from the analysis of a blood sample obtained from Smith on the day of the collision, giving investigators probable cause for the arrest. Smith was contacted at his place of employment in the Hazel Dell area and taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges of Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault.
The Battle Ground Police Department is grateful to our partners at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department for their assistance with this investigation and safe apprehension of the suspect.
No additional information is available at this time.
Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.
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