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Suspect drags Wash. trooper from patrol car, steals cruiser during I-5 incident

The Washington State Patrol lieutenant was pulled from her vehicle during a Christmas Day encounter with a man seen running across an interstate in Seattle

SEATTLE — A suspect is in custody after dragging a Washington State Patrol trooper from her patrol vehicle and fleeing in the stolen cruiser during a Christmas Day incident on Interstate 5 in Seattle.

The incident unfolded around noon near Northgate Way, where a trooper stopped to contact a pedestrian seen running across lanes of I-5, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Video obtained by TMZ shows the suspect walking up to the patrol vehicle, opening the driver’s door and forcibly removing the trooper — identified as a Washington State Patrol lieutenant — before pushing her onto the road and fleeing in the cruiser.

Washington State Patrol requested assistance from the Seattle Police Department, which joined the pursuit, officials said.

The pursuit ended on southbound I-5 in Lynnwood, temporarily shutting down the left and HOV lanes.

No injuries were reported. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity.

The incident remains under investigation.

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Sarah Roebuck is the senior news editor for Police1, Corrections1, FireRescue1 and EMS1, leading daily news coverage. With over a decade of digital journalism experience, she has been recognized for her expertise in digital media, including being sourced in Broadcast News in the Digital Age.

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a broadcast and cinematic arts degree, Roebuck joined Lexipol in April 2023. Have a news tip? Email her at sroebuck@lexipol.com or connect on LinkedIn.