Showing posts with label state patrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state patrol. Show all posts

It's True - zebras are loose on I-90

Monday, April 29, 2024

Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

State Trooper Rick Johnson posted this photo of zebras on I-90.

He said "This is a first for me and all patrol troopers involved. 

"Four zebras that were being transported got loose when the driver stopped to secure the trailer. He was going eastbound on I-90 to exit 32. 

"The community has come together to help. One cornered, 3 outstanding."

Update: 

Trooper Rick Johnson
@wspd2pio
#ZebraUpdate.  The 4th zebra is still on the loose. This is being handled by the King County Regional Animal Services. More updates when I get them!  Keep an eye out for a Zebra!!


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Washington State Patrol Trooper struck and killed by speeding vehicle on I-5 north of Marysville

Sunday, March 3, 2024

WSP Trooper Christopher M. Gadd,
died in the line of duty.
Photo courtesy WSP
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, 27 years old and a two-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol, gave his life in service earlier this morning when he was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle on I-5 approximately one mile north of Marysville.

Detectives with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) are investigating a fatal crash in Marysville that resulted in the death of a Washington State Patrol trooper today.

Just before 3am, on Saturday, March 2, 2024 north county deputies responded to a serious collision on I-5 southbound at 136th Street NE. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a Washington State Patrol trooper was struck by a vehicle and passed away at the scene.

During the investigation, detectives determined the suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on I-5 south, veered off the roadway and struck the rear end of the trooper’s vehicle that was parked on the right shoulder.

After the initial collision, the suspect vehicle became disabled and a van traveling southbound collided with it. The driver of the van was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The five passengers in the van were not injured.

The suspect remained at the scene and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center for an evaluation following the collision. A blood search warrant was approved and administered.

The suspect, a 32-year-old Lynnwood man, was arrested and transported to the Snohomish County Jail where he was booked for vehicular homicide.


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WSP investigating two collisions involving three fatalities in one night

Monday, September 18, 2023

A double fatality in Bothell caused by a wrong way driver
Graphic courtesy WSP

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating two collisions that occurred in King County on Saturday, September 16, 2023 involving three individuals that lost their lives.

The first collision occurred EB SR 516 near Meeker St. in Kent, Washington at approximately 9:05pm. 

Kent: A vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and went to pass another vehicle when it went out of control and slid sideways into a ditch. The vehicle flipped, struck a metal pole and ended up coming to rest on its top. Sadly, the 20 year old male driver who was the sole occupant was ejected and did not survive. This collision is still under investigation at this time.

Bothell: The second collision occurred around 2:05am SB I-405 north of 160th in Bothell. 

A 48 year old female was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-405 when she struck another vehicle that was traveling in the correct direction, driver by a 32 year old Bellevue resident.

Unfortunately neither driver survived. A passenger in the vehicle traveling in the correct direction survived and was transported to the hospital. This collision is also still under investigation.

WSP District 2 public information officer Rick Johnson has a message for the public:

These are both very tragic events as any loss of life is one too many. These two collisions are still under investigation to determine if any type of impairment was involved. 
The Washington State Patrol wants to stress the fact that speed and impairment are contributing factors in many collisions and pleads with drivers to make safe and good decisions before getting behind the wheel.

The roadway was blocked for over five hours.


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State Patrol needs witnesses for a serious injury collision on I-5 Labor Day

Friday, September 8, 2023

I-5 was closed for five hours after the crash
Photo courtesy WSP

The State Patrol is seeking witnesses to the wrong-way driver multi-vehicle crashes on I-5 Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023. (See previous article)

At approximately 5am on Monday, September 4, 2023, a Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper drove up on a serious injury collision on southbound I-5 just south of Mercer St.

When the trooper arrived he observed two passenger cars with heavy front end damage and one semi with minor damage.

The location of the vehicles and debris across all lanes made it necessary to shut down all lanes of SB I-5. Seattle Fire responded as there were multiple occupants with injuries and one trapped in a vehicle. 

Multiple patients were transported to Harborview with injuries ranging from a broken leg to internal injuries.

The driver of the causing vehicle was transported to Harborview and was showing signs of impairment. The driver was placed into custody for investigation of Vehicular Assault.

Detectives are seeking witnesses to the collision of the causing vehicles driving prior to the collision.

Anyone with any information is asked to email Detective Haake at Russ.Haake@wsp.wa.gov


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How to die on the road this Labor Day weekend: the Fatal Four

Friday, September 1, 2023


The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington state Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are nearing the end of a summerlong campaign educating the public about the 90 Dangerous Days of summer. 

Over the past five years, the summer months have resulted in the deadliest 90-day stretch for drivers on Washington roadways. 

State and local law enforcement will be out and will be visible throughout the Labor Day weekend to provide an extra reminder for everyone to be safe.

Everyone who uses Washington roads can do their part to avoid the Fatal Four: 
  1. impairment, 
  2. distraction, 
  3. speeding, 
  4. not wearing seat belts. 
All cyclists should wear helmets and other protective gear and be as visible as possible. Motorists should also watch out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Among the 750 people who tragically lost their lives in 2022 on Washington roadways, 565 deaths (75 percent) involved one or more of the Fatal Four behaviors.

King county 2022 Labor Day weekend activity processed by WSP:


This year they will again have their mobile impaired processing unit on the road, so troopers can spend as much time as possible on the roadways.

“The power to save lives is in the hands of every driver on our roads,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC Director.
“Going into Labor Day and the final four months of 2023, we still have time change this trend. Please get a sober ride if you have used drugs or alcohol. 
"Higher speeds endanger the lives of everyone, so please respect the speed limit. If we practice these simple safety behaviors each day, we can save hundreds of lives so that they will be here to enjoy the holidays with their family and friends.”

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WSP seeking witnesses to a drive by shooting on I-5 near 50th St

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Vehicle damaged by bullets
Photo courtesy WSP
At approximately 6:10am on Sunday, July 23, 2023, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a 9-1-1 call from a victim stating that they were shot at by another vehicle on SB I-5 near 50th St. in Seattle.

The victim reported that his contact with the suspect began around 5:10am at an ARCO station located at 950 N 85th (and Aurora) in Seattle. The victim asked the suspect to move their vehicle so he could get out at which time the suspect approached him with a handgun visible in his hand which he then put in his waistband.

The incident began at the ARCO station at 85th and Aurora in Seattle
Photo from Google

The victim was able to leave the gas station and enter SB I-5 from N 85th St with the suspect following him. 

The vehicles continued south and around N 50th St the suspect fired three rounds at the victim then exited to N 50th St. 

The victim stated the person who shot at him was the same person that displayed the handgun at the gas station. The victim’s vehicle was struck in the passenger front door, the passenger side mirror and the rear window. 

The suspect vehicle was described as a silver or gray Mercedes Benz S Class with a dent in the driver’s side front fender. The suspect was described as an African American male with short hair and standing approximately 6’1” tall. The victim was driving a 2020 Lexus RX 350. 

Thankfully no injuries were sustained.

WSP detectives are seeking anyone that may have witnessed this shooting or has information on the suspect or suspect vehicle. Please contact Detective Haake at Russ.Haake@wsp.wa.gov.


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Surviving summer - WSP urges drivers to make good choices after deadly weekend on state highways

Friday, July 21, 2023

WSP Collision investigation
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is urging drivers to make good choices behind the wheel this summer following an alarming number of fatality collisions over the past week. 

The reminder comes amid the statewide “Surviving Summer” traffic safety campaign bringing attention to the 90 most dangerous days on Washington roadways.

The WSP investigated fatality collisions across the state that resulted in the loss of 15 lives over the weekend, including six killed in a Tacoma and another three killed in a crash outside Othello. 

In addition to the 15 deaths over the weekend, the WSP investigated three more fatality collisions since Monday – all involving the loss of motorcycle riders.

“What our troopers have seen over the past few days is disheartening,” said WSP Assistant Chief James Mjor, Field Operations Bureau. “We make our roadways safe together – and we are asking you to do your part on what historically has been the most dangerous days on our roadways.”

These tragedies occurred during what Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and WSP data shows is the highest 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities in Washington: June 9 through Sept. 7.

The 90-day period has on average accounted for 31 percent of all traffic deaths statewide over the past five years. The top contributing circumstances to those collisions have historically been excessive speed, impairment, distraction, and failure to grant right of way.

WSP troopers investigated 314 fatalities in 2022:
  • 37 percent involved impairment, 
  • 27 percent involved speed, and 
  • 31 percent involved occupants not wearing their seatbelts. 
That was a rise in fatal collisions from the 283 investigated in 2021, where 38 percent involved impairment, 27 percent involved speed, and 33 percent involved unbelted occupants.

For more information about the Surviving Summer, 90 Dangerous Days campaign, visit here. For information on statewide fatality statistics, visit WTSC here.


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WSP asks public help to find package thieves from truck rollover at Northgate

Monday, July 3, 2023

Packages spilled from Fed Ex truck rollover
Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

We previously reported on an accident that blocked all southbound lanes on I-5 for hours. A semi taking evasive action to avoid a two-car hit and run accident just ahead of him, lost control and rolled his vehicle, blocking all southbound lanes of I-5 at Northgate.


The semi was a FedEx truck, loaded with packages.

After the collision, individuals were stopping on the freeway and stealing the packages that came from the truck. This was captured on video footage that came from the scene.

The Washington State Patrol is taking this crime of opportunity very seriously and is in the process of identifying the individuals that took part in the thefts.

WSP is seeking videos and information on the individuals that were involved in stealing these packages. Please email Trooper Johnson at Rick.Johnson@wsp.wa.gov

 

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State increases patrols and outreach in an effort to reduce litter and traffic fatalities

Tuesday, June 6, 2023


OLYMPIA – Every year in Washington, debris from unsecured loads causes more than 300 traffic crashes and 30 injuries. In 2022, that toll included five deaths attributed to debris in the roadway. 

Not only is litter unsightly and diminishes the beauty of our state, it’s dangerous to travelers, roadside workers and people who walk, bike and roll. 

Additionally, 40% of roadside litter comes from unsecured items falling or blowing from trucks and cars, according to the 2022 statewide litter study.

So how can we prevent this? It all starts with simply strapping down and securing all items in your car, truck or trailer on every trip – even if it’s just across town.

“We are calling on everyone in Washington to help save lives by securing their cargo every time they drive,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“Two out of three Washingtonians do the right thing and properly secure their loads, but the truth is that five of our fellow residents lost their lives last year due to unsecured cargo, and that is unacceptable. We all need to do our part to protect each other, and to protect our state’s environment.”

On June 6, the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington Department of Ecology are banding together to mark National Secure Your Load Day

Along with raising public awareness about the importance of properly securing cargo, the event commemorates people whose lives were taken or impacted by unsecured loads. 

“Our troopers and commercial enforcement officers contact more than 1,000 motorists each year for failing to properly secure their vehicle’s loads,” said Washington State Patrol (WSP) Chief John Batiste. 
“Collisions caused by unsecured loads are entirely preventable. Ensuring all items are properly secured enables us all to have safe roadways.”

As a part of the annual campaign, state troopers are conducting emphasis patrols across Washington for three consecutive weekends between June 9 and June 25. Emphasis patrols during that time will have Troopers looking for unsecured loads, stopping drivers and handing out tickets to those whose loads are not properly secured in accordance with state law

Fines for littering and unsecured loads range from $50 to $5,000. If an item falls out and causes bodily harm or property damage, the driver could also face jail time. The largest fines are for “lit debris” — primarily cigarettes — and items that can cause vehicle crashes.


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Walla Walla trooper who drove himself to the hospital after being shot multiple times is released from Harborview

Monday, October 3, 2022

WSP trooper wait for Atkinson outside Harborview
Photo courtesy WSP
Walla Walla, Wash. – Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr. is returning home to continue his recovery from multiple gunshot wounds sustained on Sept. 22, 2022 while on duty in Walla Walla.

Trooper Atkinson, a five-year veteran of the WSP, suffered gunshot wounds to his face and hand during the incident, but found the fortitude to drive himself to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment.

Patrol car lead the way home.
Photo courtesy WSP
Sunday, October 2, 2022 he was released from Harborview to continue his recovery at home.

Trooper Atkinson’s road to recovery will now continue with his family, friends, and colleagues at his side in the community he serves.

The outpour of community support, thoughts, and prayers for Trooper Atkinson and his family have been immensely appreciated.

A convoy of WSP vehicles met him at the hospital door and accompanied him home.



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Secure your load

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol


Washington State Patrol has been conducting emphasis patrols for vehicles with unsecured loads.

Here's one they recently stopped:

The pallets in were not secure.
The driver did not have a valid license.
And - he was on his phone.




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Multiple lanes blocked on I-5 south Saturday night to apprehend impaired driver

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Driver stopped on I-5 after authorized pursuit. Photo courtesy WSP.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) received multiple 911 calls late Saturday evening, September 4, 2021 about a vehicle southbound on I-5 with "severe lane travel."

The trooper observed the vehicle collide with barriers multiple times and attempted to stop it. The vehicle did not stop and continued so the trooper deactivated his lights.

Per the new policing law, the trooper called his sergeant to obtain approval for pursuit.

The trooper reported that he had reasonable suspicion for DUI. The driver posed an imminent threat and pursuit was necessary for identifying / apprehending the suspect.

As per the new policing law on pursuits, he requested and obtained supervisory approval after relaying this information to the Sergeant.

Additional troopers blocked multiple lanes south on I-5 in Shoreline.

The trooper reactivated lights and caught up to the vehicle. The pursuit ended successfully with the driver being placed in custody.

The road was reopened.



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State Patrol asks public's help to identify person involved in breach of Governor's Mansion grounds on January 6

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Case number 21-002110

The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the January 6th breach of the Governor's Mansion grounds in Olympia.
 
They are asking the public for assistance in identifying the subject in the photos. He is being investigated for Assault 3rd for actions that occurred during the breach of the property.

If you know who this person is, please contact the WSP tip line by email at sistips@wsp.wa.gov reference case number 21-002110.



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Jobs: Washington State Patrol is hiring

Sunday, January 3, 2021

New troopers being sworn in
Photo courtesy WSP
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) will be hiring 60 new Trooper Cadets and 24 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEO) in the next six months.

Both Trooper and CVEO positions are high paying with excellent benefits and just as importantly, daily opportunities to serve the public and make a difference during these difficult times.

WSP's next Trooper Academy class starts on July 12th and paid job-training opportunities across the state are available immediately for those chosen to be a part of WSP.

To find out more, to contact a recruiter, or to apply go to www.wsp.wa.gov




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25 year old Shoreline man arrested for shooting at Capitol Campus in Olympia; WSP asks for public help in identifying witness

Sunday, December 13, 2020

WSP looking for this person, who was witness to a shooting in Olympia.
These are multiple photos of the same person


Trump supporters and counterprotesters clashed in multiple confrontations at the state Capital Campus on Saturday. WSP and partner agencies worked together coordinating response to the situation.

The Seattle Times published an account (here)

There were around 200 people in the counterprotester group and not quite as many in the Trump campaign group. There were reportedly heavily armed people in both groups.

At 4pm, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced that there had been a shooting and the suspect, a 25 year old Shoreline man, had been arrested for Assault 1st degree and booked into jail.

They released no information on the status on the victim.

WSP is looking for a person who is thought to be a witness to the shooting. If you have any information about the person in the photo, please contact Detective Sergeant Matt Wood at 360-704-2955 or by email sistips@wsp.wa.gov



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Fatality crash at SR 104 and I-5

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Photo courtesy WSP
Washington State Patrol reported a one car rollover collision on the off ramp to SR 104 from SB I-5 around 5pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. 

Trooper Axtman then reported that "Sadly, this crash on the off ramp to SR 104 from SB I-5 crash is a fatality."

The ramp was fully blocked, then remained closed for the investigation.




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Driver ejected from vehicle after hitting the barrier on the 175th exit from I-5

Monday, October 26, 2020


Washington State Patrol reports that a driver southbound on I-5 late Sunday evening lost control of his vehicle at 175th in Shoreline and crashed. 

Jason B. Smith, age 30, of Monroe, was driving under the influence. He was southbound on I-5 approaching 175th St in lane 1 of 4. The vehicle drifted right towards the exit ramp, the driver overcorrected and lost control.

The vehicle struck the left barrier on the exit ramp, coming to rest in the grass median between southbound lane and exit ramp.

Smith, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle approximately 30-40 feet, coming to rest in the grass median. He was transported to Harborview and charged with DUI.

His 2004 Honda was totalled and removed by Gerber Towing.



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State 911 outage Thursday

Friday, October 23, 2020


On Thursday, October 22, 2020 the 911 emergency call system in King county and Washington state went down.

Washington Emergency Management reports that counties in both Western and Eastern Washington (but not everywhere) had a 911 outage impacting their systems.

All systems were back online by 5pm. 

The state E911 Coordination Office is investigating the cause. 

You are advised to keep these alternative (non-emergency) numbers in your phone.

  • King county non-emergency number: 206-296-3311
  • Washington State Patrol: 425-401-7788

 


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Hit and run collision on NE 205th pushes vehicle across highway and into ditch

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Victim's vehicle at wrecking yard


Early Sunday morning, at 2:50am October 18, 2020, a Shoreline resident was waiting in the left turn lane on NE 205th / SR 104 to turn onto 6th Ave NE.

She was waiting for a clear space for the turn when an oncoming, eastbound vehicle jumped the raised median separating the turn lanes and plowed head-on into her vehicle.

The sheer force of the collision caused my airbags to deploy and pushed my car back about 80 ft to the opposite side of the road onto the grassy ditch in front of the Nile golf course.

I was able to get out of the car and while screaming for help, the man driving the car suddenly threw it into drive and drove off east down NE 205th.

At least two nearby residents heard her screams and called 911. One ran down to the scene and waited with her until the police, state patrol and medics arrived.

Ironically, she had met the two paramedics earlier in the day when they admitted a patient to the Seattle hospital emergency room where she works.

They were shocked that I was standing and were expecting much, much worse when they got the call.

She is very sore, but did not need hospitalization and is recovering at home.

Her car is totalled.

Because pieces of the vehicle were left at the scene, investigators know that this is the model of the vehicle that hit and ran. The vehicle was black with gray trim.

The man who hit her was driving a newer, shiny and clean, black Subaru Crosstrek with a grey trim and tinted windows. It will have significant front-end damage.

The driver was wearing a white t-shirt and was of a heavier set build.

If you have any information, contact the Washington State Patrol.
Trooper Rick Johnson (Primary PIO)
C: (425) 766-0812
E: Rick.Johnson@wsp.wa.gov


Revised 10-20-2020


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49 new State Patrol Troopers graduate into service

Saturday, October 3, 2020

New Washington State Patrol troopers stand at attention
Photo courtesy WSP



At a ceremony held at the WSP Academy in Shelton WA September 30, 2020, 49 Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers were sworn in by Justice Susan Owens of the Washington State Supreme Court. They were presented their commission cards by Assistant Chief Jeff R. Sass, who welcomed them into an organization known and trusted by the citizens of Washington State.

Chief John R. Batiste tells the new troopers to come home safe every night
Photo courtesy WSP



They were also welcomed to service by Chief John R. Batiste and Governor Jay Inslee in a Covid appropriate ceremony held outside on the facility’s driving skills range. 

The newly commissioned troopers have been on the Shelton campus since March, isolated from many of the impacts of the virus. During the graduation ceremony, they remained in their patrol vehicles throughout most of the ceremony, seated in respectful attention, listening to the remarks by radio. 

They exited only to raise their hands and take the oath of office, to pay appropriate honors, and for a socially distant and masked photograph with Chief Batiste in front of each patrol unit.

They now depart for their duty stations across the great state of Washington. We are honored by their willingness to serve in these unique times, their courage to protect both the public and roadways of our state, and their commitment to fairness and dignity for all. 



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