A recent incident in Pierce County highlights growing concerns for the safety of state troopers in Washington. On Sunday morning, a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper was struck by a vehicle while responding to a call. This marks the fifth such incident involving a trooper within a week.
Incident Details
The trooper was assisting in clearing a disabled vehicle blocking westbound State Route 512 near Canyon Road when he was hit. Fortunately, the injuries were non-life threatening, and he was transported to the hospital for care. The roadway was temporarily closed for about two hours to facilitate an investigation but has since reopened.
Recent Spike in Trooper Incidents
This incident comes shortly after the tragic death of WSP Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting. She was killed on Friday while responding to a collision on State Route 509. The alarming series of incidents also includes three other collisions involving troopers since Wednesday of last week.
- An 86-year-old driver collided with a WSP trooper’s SUV in Kittitas County.
- A pickup driver, suspected of texting while driving, crashed into a patrol car in Lakewood.
- Another trooper was hit on December 19 while attending a collision during winter conditions on eastbound I-90.
In all reported incidents, troopers sustained only minor injuries. However, the frequency and severity of these events necessitate immediate attention.
Calls for Caution
In light of these accidents, WSP officials are actively urging drivers to exercise caution on the road. Maintaining proper speed and being attentive can help ensure both driver and officer safety.
The WSP emphasizes that every driver plays a crucial role in protecting law enforcement personnel working to keep roads safe. Safety on the highways must be a shared responsibility.
