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A suspect is in custody after the Washington State Patrol (WSP) says they pulled a trooper out of his patrol car and stole the vehicle during a chaotic Christmas Day incident on a major Seattle highway.
A WSP spokesperson said Fox News Digital agents attempted to locate the man after receiving reports that he was running back and forth across all lanes of Interstate 5.
The spokesperson said a WSP lieutenant encountered him while trying to resolve the security issue, when authorities said he jumped in the patrol car and drove off, sparking a pursuit.
Video obtained by TMZ appears to show the man approaching a marked patrol car, opening the driver’s door, pulling Lt. WSP from the vehicle, pushing her onto the roadway and driving off in the patrol car.
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WSP said the theft sparked a chase involving multiple agencies, including Seattle police. Authorities said the suspect headed north before turning back south, where officers struck the stolen patrol vehicle and stopped it in Lynnwood.
Police said the suspect resisted arrest and used a Taser on him before he was taken into custody. He was later identified as Alexander Eugene Smith.
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According to King County Jail records, Smith was booked on suspicion of felony escape, grand larceny, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer and driving while intoxicated.
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Alexander Eugene Smith allegedly stole a Washington State Patrol vehicle. (Washington State Patrol)
Investigators said they obtained a warrant for a blood test and believe Smith was impaired, although toxicology results are pending.
WSP said incidents like this often involve people in distress and stressed that police officers’ priority is public safety.
The police chase took place on Interstate 5 in Seattle. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images for the Rock’n’Roll marathon)
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Authorities said the lieutenant was lightly injured and no members of the public were seriously injured, although several vehicles were damaged during efforts to stop the patrol vehicle.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
