A suspect is in custody after the Washington State Patrol (WSP) says he pulled a lieutenant from her marked patrol car and drove off in the cruiser during a chaotic Christmas Day incident on Interstate 5 in Seattle.
WSP officials told reporters troopers had been searching for the man after receiving multiple calls that someone was running across all lanes of I‑5, creating a serious hazard. A WSP lieutenant encountered the suspect while attempting to address the safety risk; authorities say the man then climbed into the patrol vehicle, removed the lieutenant and drove away, prompting a multi‑agency pursuit.
Alexander Eugene Smith allegedly stole a Washington State Patrol vehicle.
Video obtained by TMZ appears to show the suspect approach the marked patrol car, open the driver’s door, pull the WSP lieutenant from the vehicle, push her onto the roadway and then drive away in the cruiser.
Pursuit and Arrest
WSP said the stolen cruiser triggered a pursuit that included the Seattle Police Department. The suspect reportedly drove north on I‑5, then looped back southbound. Troopers struck the stolen patrol vehicle to bring it to a stop in Lynnwood. The suspect resisted arrest; officers deployed a Taser before taking him into custody.
The police pursuit took place on Interstate 5 in Seattle.
Authorities later identified the suspect as Alexander Eugene Smith. King County jail records show Smith was booked on suspicion of felony eluding, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence. Investigators obtained a warrant for a blood draw and say they believe Smith may have been impaired; toxicology results are pending.
Injuries and Damage
WSP reported the lieutenant sustained minor injuries. No members of the public were reported seriously hurt, though several vehicles were damaged during efforts to stop the cruiser. The agency also noted that incidents like this often involve individuals in distress and emphasized that troopers’ top priority is public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing.
