A man is now in custody following an unusual incident on Christmas Day, where he allegedly yanked a trooper from her vehicle and sped off in the patrol car. This unfolded on a busy interstate in Seattle, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
WSP informed Fox News Digital that troopers were initially searching for the individual after they received alerts about a man darting across the lanes of Interstate 5.
The situation escalated when a WSP lieutenant confronted the man, who then reportedly jumped into the trooper’s car and drove away, setting off a high-speed chase.
Footage captured by TMZ shows the suspect approaching the patrol vehicle, opening the door, forcibly removing the WSP lieutenant, and taking off with the cruiser.
The suspect, named as Alexander Eugene Smith, was seen on video approaching the marked patrol car on Interstate 5 just before the theft occurred, authorities reported.
The theft initiated a pursuit involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Seattle Police Department. According to officials, Smith headed north and then changed direction, heading south again. The chase concluded in Lynnwood when troopers managed to stop the stolen vehicle by striking it.
Police said the suspect resisted arrest, and they used a Taser on him before he was taken into custody. He was later identified as Alexander Eugene Smith.
According to King County jail records, Smith was booked on suspicion of felony eluding, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer and DUI.
Video shows a suspect walking across lanes of Interstate 5 near Northgate Way on Christmas Day, according to the Washington State Patrol. (TMZ)
Investigators said they obtained a warrant for a blood draw and believe Smith was impaired, though toxicology results are pending.
WSP said incidents like this often involve people in distress and emphasized that troopers’ priority is public safety.
The suspect, identified as Alexander Eugene Smith, walks into traffic on Interstate 5 during the Christmas Day incident, according to Washington State Patrol. (TMZ)
Authorities said the lieutenant sustained minor injuries, and no one from the public was seriously hurt, though several vehicles were damaged during efforts to stop the cruiser.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
