Investigators find vehicle of interest in SR 509 crash that killed WSP trooper
Dec 23, 2025, 6:06 PM | Updated: 6:09 pm
This Tacoma Police Dept. on Sunday afternoon released this image of a dark-colored SUV that may have been involved in the death of Washington State Trooper Tara Marysa Guting. (Photo courtesy of the Tacoma Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Tacoma Police Department)
The Tacoma Police Department (TPD) has found a “vehicle of interest” that was involved in the crash that killed Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting Friday night.
Over the past 24 hours, investigators located and impounded the vehicle, TPD reported via Facebook Tuesday.
TPD noted detectives are still actively working on the case and are seeking information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.
“The Crime Stoppers tip line will remain open to receive and review any information related to this investigation,” authorities wrote.
Trooper struck while investigating collision on on-ramp to SR 509
Guting was investigating an unrelated collision on an on-ramp to southbound SR 509 when she was struck by a vehicle.
“The initial impact caused the trooper to be thrown into the right travel lane of southbound SR 509, where the trooper was incapacitated and lying motionless in the roadway,” the Tacoma Police Department previously wrote.
According to the police department, a second car struck the trooper as she was lying motionless in the road. That vehicle continued southbound on SR 509. Police have described this vehicle as a dark-colored pickup truck, either a four-door Chevrolet Avalanche or a Cadillac Escalade EXT-style pickup. The truck may have tinted windows, chrome door handles, and chrome running boards.
“Anyone who witnessed the collision, observed the vehicle of interest, or may have dash-camera footage from southbound SR 509 in the area of Port of Tacoma Road around 7:20–7:30 p.m. is urged to contact investigators,” TPD stated.
WSP trooper was 29 years old
Guting was 29 years old. She graduated from the academy just one year ago.
“Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting was out doing what she loved that day. I’m still trying to process it myself, if I’m being honest,” WSP Trooper Kameron Watts told KIRO 7. “It’s not something I’ve spoken to in the media a lot, but it’s affecting all of us in Tacoma, and her family is going through a lot.”
A flag was draped over Guting’s body as it was removed from St. Joseph Medical Center, with state first responders there to pay tribute.
It is unknown if the first driver who hit Guting will face charges, as of this reporting.
A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to the driver’s arrest.
This story was originally published on December 22, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.
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