Washington State Patrol Says Man Walking on I-5 Assaulted Trooper, Stole Her Patrol Car, and Led Officers on Highway Chase Near Lynnwood

Lynnwood, Washington — A man walking across Interstate 5 near Northgate assaulted a Washington State Patrol trooper, stole her patrol vehicle, and led officers on a high-speed chase on Thursday afternoon, according to WSP officials. The trooper was responding to reports of a pedestrian on the highway when she was pushed to the ground and had her cruiser stolen.

Suspect Pushes Trooper, Steals Patrol Car, and Flees Onto I-5

According to WSP, the incident began around 12:00 p.m. when a WSP Lieutenant contacted a man walking across the northbound lanes of I-5. As she approached, the man allegedly pushed her down, entered her patrol car, and sped away from the scene.

The shocking assault—occurring in the middle of one of Washington’s busiest highways—quickly triggered a multi-agency response as officers attempted to track the stolen vehicle. WSP Trooper Rick Johnson confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the trooper was not seriously injured but that the offender gained full control of the marked patrol SUV before fleeing north on the interstate.

Traffic Cameras Capture the Chase as Troopers Pursue Stolen Cruiser

Video captured by WSDOT traffic cameras showed the stolen patrol car heading northbound at high speed while multiple law enforcement units followed. The chase continued along I-5 toward Lynnwood, drawing significant attention from commuters and live traffic monitors.

As the pursuit unfolded, WSP implemented a tactical intervention. A trooper executed a PIT maneuver, striking the stolen vehicle and forcing it to spin out and come to a stop near Lynnwood. The maneuver caused visible damage to the patrol vehicle, including dents along the side and front panels.

Suspect Arrested; Patrol Car Heavily Damaged in the Incident

Once the vehicle was disabled, officers quickly surrounded the patrol car and took the suspect into custody without further incident. WSP confirmed that no injuries were reported, other than the initial assault on the female trooper, who sustained minor injuries from being pushed to the ground.

However, the agency noted that the patrol car sustained significant damage, requiring inspection and likely repairs before being returned to service.

Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or the full list of possible charges, but the case is expected to include:

• Assault on a law enforcement officer
• Vehicle theft
• Fleeing and eluding
• Reckless endangerment

The investigation is ongoing, with WSP reviewing camera footage and witness statements.

Highway Incident Raises Safety Concerns for Troopers and Motorists

The incident underscored the hazards troopers face when dealing with pedestrians on high-speed highways. Stopping to assist individuals on interstates is routine, but WSP officials emphasized that such encounters can turn dangerous quickly, especially when suspects behave unpredictably.

Commuters in the area expressed shock at the unusual sight of a state patrol vehicle leading a chase rather than pursuing one, and the story has since circulated widely on social media.

WSP has reassured the public that the trooper is recovering and that no motorists were injured during the pursuit. For ongoing coverage of major police incidents, public safety alerts, and breaking news updates, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com.