A Bellevue couple escaped serious injury Sunday when an unsecured pick-ax was lost from the bed of a pick-up truck.

The couple was driving their Mercedes SUV on southbound I-405 at NE 85th street around 3:45 p.m. when a truck traveling northbound lost their unsecured load. A large pick-ax struck the windshield of the Mercedes with such force that the rearview mirror came to rest in the tailgate of the vehicle. The pick-ax scraped the shoulder of the 65-year-old driver before it became lodged between the front seats. The vehicle that lost its load has not been identified.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is reminding motorists about the importance of securing all loads. It is a crime in Washington for failing to secure a load when the loss of that load results in bodily injury. Conviction could bring up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines.

The suspect vehicle is described as a late 1980s or early 1990s green or teal pickup truck with wood panels on each side of the bed. If anyone has information regarding the suspect vehicle they are urged to call the WSP at 425-401-7788.