Video Shows Washington Trooper Assaulted, Patrol Car Stolen
What to Know
- The suspect, Alexander Eugene Smith, was under the influence of methamphetamine during the incident.
- Footage shows Smith violently pulling a lieutenant from the patrol vehicle and fleeing in the stolen cruiser.
- A police pursuit ensued along I-5, ending with a maneuver that stopped the stolen vehicle and led to Smith's arrest.
SEATTLE -- Newly released body-worn and dash camera video shows a man throwing a Washington State Patrol trooper to the ground and stealing her patrol vehicle during an encounter on Interstate 5 in Seattle on Christmas Day.
The suspect, identified in court filings as 24-year-old Alexander Eugene Smith, told investigators he had smoked methamphetamine before the incident. KOMO News obtained the video through a public records request.
The footage shows troopers contacting Smith in the center lanes of I-5 near North 85th Street after he was observed walking on the freeway. Smith told troopers he wanted to walk home to Stanwood. Troopers advised him he could not remain on the interstate and directed him toward the right shoulder, then toward the Northgate light rail station.
Troopers followed Smith northbound to the Northgate off-ramp, where he sat on a guardrail for several minutes. The video shows troopers offering him a blanket and repeatedly urging him to leave the freeway.
As Smith continued walking, he suddenly ran across the off-ramp and back into traffic, crossing multiple lanes of I-5. Troopers moved to stop traffic as Smith ran between vehicles.
A Washington State Patrol lieutenant approached Smith and ordered him to stop. Video shows Smith violently pulling the lieutenant from the patrol vehicle, entering the driver’s seat, and fleeing in the stolen cruiser.
The lieutenant stopped a passing driver and asked them to call 911, according to the video.
Troopers pursued the stolen patrol vehicle north into Lynnwood, where it turned around and headed southbound on I-5. A trooper performed a Precision Immobilization Technique maneuver, spinning the vehicle and striking the driver’s door. Smith was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.
King County prosecutors charged Smith with robbery in the second degree and attempting to elude a police vehicle.