In Parkland, Washington, early Wednesday morning, 20-year-old Paola Parbol Arredondo was killed after a speeding car, driven by a man trying to escape law enforcement, violently crashed into hers. That man, Donald Wayne Rownan, now faces a string of serious charges — and a community is reeling from the loss of a beloved daughter, student, and friend.
It was just before 9:30 a.m. when a Pierce County sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop on Rownan at 112th Street South and Ainsworth Avenue. Instead of complying, Rownan allegedly sped off. He raced eastward along 112th, then ran a red light at the intersection of Ainsworth, colliding with Paola’s Toyota Corolla, which had the right of way. The impact was fatal — Paola, a student at Pacific Lutheran University majoring in criminal justice and a part-time daycare worker, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charging documents suggest Rownan was already under state supervision — released less than two months ago — and had multiple active warrants for failing to comply with community custody rules. In court filings, a trooper described Rownan as showing “a lack of accountability,” citing his remark, “You guys could have not chased me,” when confronted about the chase.
After the crash, Rownan is accused of fleeing the scene while his two passengers stayed behind. The passengers sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Investigators later found drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, and a drug recognition expert concluded Rownan likely was under the influence of methamphetamine. A court-ordered blood draw was sought.
In his arraignment, Rownan pleaded not guilty to an eight-count complaint filed by Pierce County prosecutors. The charges include second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, failure to remain at an accident causing death or injury, attempting to elude police, escape from community custody, and reckless driving. Bail was set at $750,000. The medical examiner’s office officially ruled Paola’s death as resulting from multiple blunt-force injuries.
In the courtroom, Paola’s boyfriend, Gabriel Pangelinan, delivered a heart-wrenching statement: “She shouldn’t be out. He shouldn’t be free. He took the life of a woman I loved very much.” Her family, alongside supporters, held a vigil near the crash site at 112th and Ainsworth that evening to honor her memory. A GoFundMe campaign was also launched to cover her funeral and related expenses.
Pacific Lutheran University, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss of one of its students, acknowledging Paola’s contributions, her potential, and the heartbreaking void her absence leaves. As the case moves forward, the community — friends, family, law enforcement, students — await justice and reckon with how one split-second decision ended a life full of promise.
