It was a long and dangerous night for the Washington State Patrol after four of its vehicles were struck by impaired drivers late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, the agency announced.
All of it happened in a four-hour period. But no troopers were hurt and three drivers were arrested on suspicion of DUI, according to the State Patrol.
The first incident was reported about 11 p.m. Saturday at state Route 516 and Military Road in King County. A light turned green at the intersection, but a driver waiting at the light didn’t move.
The trooper in the area noticed the driver was asleep.
Unable to get the driver’s attention, the vehicle began to roll forward into the intersection, so the trooper drove in front of it to block it and was struck by the rolling car, according to State Patrol.
The other incidents unfolded about 3 a.m.:
— Two troopers responded to a hit-and-run crash on southbound I-5 near Boeing Field. As they investigated, an impaired southbound driver came along and crashed into one trooper’s vehicle, then pushed it into the other patrol vehicle at the scene, damaging both.
— A trooper responded to that scene to help with traffic control and their vehicle was hit by another impaired driver.
“Driving after or while consuming alcohol or drugs is a terrible choice and can cost you your life or someone else’s,” WSP Chief John Batiste said in a statement.
“We need you to buckle up, slow down and move over for your troopers and first responders. Let’s all give ourselves a chance to appreciate and responsibly celebrate the holidays with loved ones and friends.”
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Author: Rolf Boone – The Olympian
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