Four Washington State Patrol (WSP) vehicles were struck by suspected impaired drivers in King County within a span of four hours late Thursday night, Nov. 21, and early Friday morning, Nov. 22, 2024.
Fortunately, no troopers were injured, but the incidents highlight the dangers law enforcement officers face on the road.
The first collision occurred around 11 p.m. on Thursday night, Nov. 21 on SR 516 at Military Road, when a trooper noticed a vehicle at a red light with the driver apparently asleep at the wheel. As the light turned green, the vehicle began rolling into the intersection. The trooper positioned his patrol car in front of the vehicle to prevent it from entering the intersection. The vehicle struck the patrol car, and the driver was arrested for suspected impairment.
The next three incidents unfolded early Friday morning near the scene of a hit-and-run collision on southbound I-5 near the Boeing Access Road. Around 3 a.m., a vehicle entered the crash site and struck one patrol car, pushing it into another patrol car. Both vehicles were damaged, but the troopers at the scene were unhurt. The driver was taken into custody for suspected impairment.
Shortly after, another trooper responding to assist with traffic control was struck by a separate vehicle near the same location. That driver was also arrested on suspicion of impairment.
“This is a glaring example of the dangers troopers face on the roadways every day, and these collisions could have been 100% avoided,” the Washington State Patrol said in a statement.
WSP Chief John R. Batiste urged drivers to act responsibly, particularly during the holiday season.
“Driving after or while consuming alcohol or drugs is a terrible choice and can cost you your life or someone else’s. We need you to buckle up, slow down, and move over for your troopers and first responders,” Batiste said. “Let’s all give ourselves a chance to appreciate and responsibly celebrate the holidays with loved ones and friends.”
