Executive Summary
- A judge found probable cause to hold a suspect accused of carjacking a WSP trooper on I-5.
- The incident involved a high-speed pursuit ending near Lynnwood; no injuries were reported.
- The suspect refused to appear in court Friday, postponing the bond decision to Saturday.
- Potential charges include robbery, assault, attempting to elude, and DUI.
A King County Superior Court judge found probable cause on Friday to hold a suspect accused of assaulting a Washington State Patrol trooper and stealing a patrol vehicle in North Seattle. The ruling confirmed sufficient grounds to proceed with the case, which culminated in an arrest following a high-speed pursuit along Interstate 5.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the incident began around noon on Thursday near Northgate. Investigators stated that a WSP lieutenant contacted a pedestrian walking across the northbound lanes of I-5. During the interaction, the suspect allegedly pushed the trooper to the ground, commandeered her patrol car, and fled the scene.
Trooper Rick Johnson reported that the stolen vehicle traveled north on I-5, initiating a pursuit involving multiple units. Authorities utilized a tactical maneuver to stop the vehicle near Lynnwood, effectively ending the chase. The suspect was arrested at the scene, and while the patrol vehicle sustained damage, no injuries were reported.
Officials have accused the man of robbery, attempting to elude police, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault, and driving under the influence. Court documents indicate that a judge approved a blood draw later that afternoon. During the Friday hearing, the defendant refused to appear in court, prompting the judge to reschedule the bond decision for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the jail courtroom.
Procedural Next Steps
The case is currently in the pre-charging phase, with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office awaiting final investigative materials from law enforcement to determine formal charges. The upcoming bond hearing will establish custody conditions as the judicial process moves forward. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
