Executive Summary
- Alexander Eugene Smith appeared in King County court facing robbery and evasion charges.
- The charges stem from the alleged carjacking of a Washington State Patrol vehicle on I-5 on Christmas Day.
- The court ordered a competency evaluation, putting the arraignment on hold until results are reviewed.
- Reports indicate the suspect admitted to using methamphetamine prior to the incident.
Alexander Eugene Smith appeared in a King County courtroom on Monday to face charges of robbery and attempting to elude law enforcement following the alleged theft of a Washington State Patrol vehicle on Christmas Day. The proceedings were marked by a request from the defense regarding the defendant’s mental capacity to stand trial.
According to law enforcement reports, the incident began when Washington State Patrol troopers responded to calls concerning a pedestrian walking in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near North 85th Street. Authorities state that after troopers approached the individual, Smith allegedly commandeered a patrol vehicle and fled the scene. The ensuing pursuit ended in Lynnwood after officers utilized a PIT maneuver to immobilize the stolen cruiser.
Witness Beau Stone, who recorded video of the altercation, described the chaotic nature of the event. “This guy’s going to end up dead, you know what I mean? He’s going to be shot, or he’s going to kill somebody else; that was my reaction,” Stone told reporters, expressing immediate concern for public safety. Following the arrest, investigation documents reveal that Smith admitted to consuming methamphetamine prior to the incident.
Procedural Delays and Legal Competency
During the hearing, Smith’s legal counsel raised significant concerns regarding his mental competency, prompting the court to order a formal evaluation. As a result, the arraignment has been suspended pending the outcome of this assessment, a necessary procedural step to ensure the defendant understands the judicial process. The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 26 to review the findings. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
