Walla Walla shooting sends state trooper to Harborview in serious condition

A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper is in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center after he was shot in Walla Walla Thursday evening. A spokesperson for the hospital told KIRO Newsradio that the trooper remains in serious condition as of Friday afternoon.

WSP spokesperson Chris Loftis told KIRO Newsradio that the trooper was “shot in the face” after a confrontation.

According to The News Tribune, the shooting happened after a car rammed the trooper and his cruiser around 5:20 p.m.

Fellow Trooper Sarah Clasen says the trooper who was shot was able to drive himself to Providence St. Mary Medical Center, about a mile from the incident.

After driving himself to a local hospital he was airlifted to Harborview.

State Patrol Chief John Batiste issued a statement early this morning, identifying the trooper as 5-year veteran Dean Atkinson.

The alleged suspect was arrested about a half-hour later trying to escape across the Oregon border.

Thank you to those who apprehended the suspect so quickly. Trudi and I join all those sending thoughts of comfort to the trooper who was able to get himself to the hospital. What an incredible feat of strength. https://t.co/i6pzkT6G0f

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) September 23, 2022

No other injuries were reported.

There’s no word on what might have led to the incident.

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