Crime & Safety
Washington Patrol Car Hit by Suspected DUI Driver, 3 Hospitalized
Washington State – A Washington State Patrol trooper narrowly escaped a violent highway collision Sunday, Nov. 1, after pulling a stranded driver over a safety barrier moments before another vehicle s
By Grant Holloway · 2026-11-03T01:29:03.587Z
Washington State – A Washington State Patrol trooper narrowly escaped a violent highway collision Sunday, Nov. 1, after pulling a stranded driver over a safety barrier moments before another vehicle slammed into his patrol car.
According to the Washington State Patrol, Trooper MacDonald was investigating a disabled vehicle stopped along the left shoulder and partially blocking a high occupancy vehicle HOV lane.
After speaking with the stranded motorist, MacDonald suspected impairment and began a DUI investigation.
Trooper Makes Split Second Decision Before Crash
While the investigation was underway, another approaching vehicle struck MacDonald's patrol car with enough force to push it into the disabled vehicle.
With little time to react, MacDonald jumped over the highway barrier, pulling the driver with him to escape the approaching collision.
Both avoided the direct impact.
The Washington State Patrol did not identify the highway or provide an exact location in its initial public statement.
Three Injured, Driver Arrested
Authorities said the driver who struck the patrol car was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular assault.
The driver and two passengers were injured in the collision and transported to a hospital.
Their conditions were not immediately disclosed.
Second Close Call for Washington Trooper
State Patrol officials revealed this was not MacDonald's first encounter with a suspected impaired driver striking his patrol vehicle.
Last year, his patrol car was also hit by an impaired driver. MacDonald was outside the vehicle during that incident and escaped injury.
The agency emphasized the dangers impaired motorists pose to other drivers, emergency responders and law enforcement officers working along busy highways.
"Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk, including the people working to keep you safe," Washington State Patrol stated.
The agency urged motorists to drive sober as authorities continue addressing impaired driving across Washington highways.