Christmas Day Chase: Trooper’s Patrol Car Stolen on Seattle Interstate
In a dramatic Christmas Day incident on Seattle’s Interstate 5, a Washington State Patrol trooper was pulled from her vehicle by a man who then stole the patrol car and led authorities on a multi-agency pursuit. The suspect, later identified as Alexander Eugene Smith, was eventually apprehended after a chaotic sequence of events that unfolded as holiday traffic moved through the city.
The trouble began when Washington State Patrol received concerning reports of a man running dangerously across all lanes of I-5, creating a serious hazard for holiday travelers. When a WSP lieutenant responded to address this public safety concern, the situation escalated dramatically. Video footage obtained by TMZ captured the alarming moment when Smith approached the marked patrol vehicle, forcibly pulled the female lieutenant from the driver’s seat, pushed her onto the roadway, and drove away in the stolen cruiser. This brazen act transformed what began as a pedestrian safety call into a high-stakes vehicle theft and pursuit on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
The theft triggered an immediate response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including Seattle Police Department officers who joined WSP troopers in the chase. Smith initially drove north in the stolen patrol car before changing direction and heading southbound. As the pursuit continued, authorities employed tactical measures to end the dangerous situation before anyone could be seriously injured. Troopers ultimately used their vehicles to strike the stolen patrol car, bringing it to a stop in Lynnwood, north of Seattle. Even after the vehicle was disabled, Smith continued to resist arrest, forcing officers to deploy a Taser before they could successfully take him into custody and end the Christmas Day ordeal.
Law enforcement officials believe impairment played a role in Smith’s erratic and dangerous behavior. Investigators obtained a warrant for a blood draw following his arrest, suspecting he was under the influence during the incident. While toxicology results remain pending, the consequences for Smith are already mounting. According to King County jail records, he faces a series of serious charges including felony eluding, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer, and driving under the influence. These charges reflect the multiple dimensions of the Christmas Day crime spree that endangered not only the trooper but also countless holiday travelers on the interstate.
Washington State Patrol representatives acknowledged that incidents like this often involve individuals experiencing some form of distress, highlighting the complex challenges law enforcement officers face when responding to unpredictable situations on the roadways. The WSP spokesperson emphasized that the primary concern throughout the incident was public safety, as troopers worked to contain the threat while minimizing risk to innocent motorists traveling during the holiday. The lieutenant who was pulled from her vehicle fortunately sustained only minor injuries, and authorities reported that no members of the public were seriously hurt during the incident, though several vehicles were damaged in the process of stopping the stolen patrol car.
As the investigation continues, this case underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by law enforcement officers, even during holiday periods when many citizens are celebrating with family and friends. The Christmas Day incident on Interstate 5 serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks on our roadways and the swift response needed when public safety is threatened. While most Seattle residents were enjoying their Christmas celebrations, law enforcement officers across multiple agencies were coordinating a complex response to prevent what could have become an even more serious holiday tragedy.
