Washington State Trooper Hit And Killed By Police Chase Suspect
Chehalis, Wa. — A 28 year old Washington State Patrol Trooper was hit and killed as he deployed spike strips trying to stop a runaway suspect Thursday.
WSP Chief John Batiste announced the death of Trooper Justin Schaffer just before 8pm.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Trooper Justin R. Schaffer, who died in the line of duty today. Justin passed away at the age of 28 after serving 7 years with WSP. This is a time of enormous grief for our agency, family and the community he served. pic.twitter.com/9YV6SgJUgN
— WA State Patrol (@wastatepatrol) March 25, 2020
Trooper Schaffer was involved in a high speed chase with a suspect wanted from Thurston County. Chief Batiste says Trooper Schaffer was outside of his patrol unit to deploy spike strips on I-5 South at MP 79 when he was hit by the suspect pickup truck. He was airlifted to a hospital where his was pronounced dead. Chief Batiste says Trooper Schaffer leaves behind a wife along with other family members.
The suspect was identified as 39-year-old William D. Thompson from Olympia.
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