In a span of four hours, Washington State troopers' patrol cars became recurring targets for impaired drivers, leaving the official vehicles struck but the officers fortunately unharmed. The string of collisions began late Saturday night.
FOX 13 Seattle reports that the first collision happened around 11 p.m. at the intersection of state Route 516 and Military Road in King County. A trooper noticed a stationary vehicle with its driver seemingly asleep at a green light. When attempts to wake the driver failed, the car moved forward, causing the officer to intervene. The trooper's vehicle was then struck.
Later that night, on southbound Interstate 5 near Boeing Access Road, a hit-and-run investigation was underway when a car crashed into one of the squad cars, causing a chain reaction that hit a second patrol vehicle. The drivers involved were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), according to The News Tribune.
Soon after, a third trooper arrived to assist with traffic control and had their patrol car struck by another driver, suspected of being impaired. The Washington State Patrol, in a press release noted by KING 5, called the incident a clear example of the dangers troopers face daily, stressing that these collisions were entirely avoidable. The statement also condemned the drivers' actions as a serious threat to public safety.
Although no troopers were injured, the Washington State Patrol stressed that the accidents were preventable and urged the public to recognize the dangers of driving under the influence.
