Parkland, Washington Crash: Career Criminal Donald Wayne Rownan Kills College Student Paola Parbol Arredondo After Running Red Light During Police Chase [PHOTOS]

A high-speed police chase in Parkland, Washington, ended in tragedy Wednesday night after career criminal Donald Wayne Rownan, 47, ran a red light and crashed into 20-year-old college student Paola Parbol Arredondo, killing her instantly.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to pull Rownan over after discovering he was wanted on multiple parole violation warrants. Instead, the habitual offender — with 36 prior arrests — sped away in his Chrysler 300, refusing to stop.

As deputies pursued, Rownan blew through a red light at high speed, slamming into a Toyota Corolla that was stopped at the intersection. The impact killed Paola Arredondo, a beloved student studying criminal justice and social services while also working part-time at a daycare.

The suspect exited his wrecked car and tried to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by pursuing officers.

“This all happened within 20 to 30 seconds,” a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told KOMO. “We were not able to control what that suspect did — the reckless decisions he made — choosing to blow through the light.”

Rownan later told Washington State Patrol that he ran because he feared going back to prison after repeatedly violating his parole. He admitted to driving up to 80 mph during the chase and showed little remorse, instead blaming police for not backing off.

“You guys could have backed off too,” Rownan reportedly told troopers. “You guys could have not chased me.”

The state trooper’s report described Rownan’s demeanor as cold and unremorseful, stating that he “did not care and did not believe it was his fault.”

Rownan had been released from prison in May following a 2023 conviction for possession of a stolen vehicle and identity theft. Since his release, he had failed to report to his parole officer, leading to three active warrants before the fatal crash.

Following the incident, Rownan was arrested for the 37th time and charged with:

• Murder in the second degree

• Vehicular homicide

• Failure to remain at an accident resulting in death

• Vehicular assault by DUI

• Attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle

• Escape from community custody

• Reckless driving

A GoFundMe launched for Paola Arredondo described her as “a compassionate, humble, and respectful individual who will be missed by many.”

Rownan appeared in Pierce County Superior Court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody at Pierce County Jail, with bail set at $750,000.