Stanwood man charged after allegedly stealing WSP vehicle, leading chase on I-5

A Stanwood man was charged after he allegedly stole a Washington State Patrol (WSP) vehicle in North Seattle and led law enforcement on a chase along I-5 while under the influence of methamphetamine on Dec. 25.

Alexander Eugene Smith, 24, was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault, theft of a motor vehicle, eluding a police vehicle, and driving while under the influence, according to court documents.

Man allegedly steals WSP vehicle, leads troopers on chase

At approximately 8:53 a.m., WSP Trooper R. Paniagua responded to a report of a pedestrian walking on northbound I-5, who was later identified as Smith.

WSP advised Smith to move off I-5, and he agreed by walking away and waiting elsewhere.

Roughly two hours later, WSP responded to another report of a pedestrian walking in the roadway near the same spot where Smith was earlier.

Troopers contacted Smith on the left shoulder. Smith refused a ride from WSP Troopers and agreed to walk off the highway using the Northgate exit.

While walking off the highway, Smith allegedly abruptly turned and ran across all northbound lanes and entered the southbound I-5 lanes. Smith was nearly struck by multiple vehicles.

WSP Lieutenant Phillips pulled alongside Smith and ordered Smith off the highway through her car window. Smith walked toward Phillips’ driver’s side door and opened it.

Phillips started to exit her vehicle in an attempt to converse with Smith, but he reportedly grabbed her arm and pulled her from the vehicle, throwing her to the ground.

Smith then entered the WSP vehicle, locked the doors, and drove off in the car while the emergency lights were activated, according to court documents.

A video of the incident was posted by TMZ.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: A man in Seattle is in police custody after stealing a patrol car from a Washington State Patrol lieutenant … and exclusive new video shows the suspect shoving the cop to the ground and taking off in her car. pic.twitter.com/69zxNv2189

— TMZ (@TMZ) December 25, 2025

While in the WSP vehicle, Smith fled north towards Snohomish County, while several troopers in fully marked WSP vehicles attempted to catch up with him.

Troopers Donnely, Paniagua, and Abdullahi engaged in the pursuit of Smith, all utilizing the vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens.

The troopers caught up to Smith as he exited onto Alderwood Mall Parkway. Smith immediately re-entered southbound I-5.

Trooper Abdullahi attempted a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT), though each time the troopers got close to Smith, he would apply the brakes hard.

Trooper Abdullahi performed a successful PIT maneuver, which rotated the WSP vehicle Smith was driving, although he was able to regain control and continue driving north in the southbound I-5 lanes.

Eventually, Trooper Abdullahi struck the driver’s side of the vehicle that Smith was operating with the front end of his patrol vehicle. Several officers from multiple agencies then assisted with removing Smith from the vehicle and placing him in custody.

Trooper Abdullahi only sustained a minor nosebleed caused by the airbag being deployed in the collision, according to court documents.

Smith did not show any obvious signs of injury, but troopers found two glass pipes used to smoke methamphetamine on his person, and authorities reported he exhibited signs of impairment.

Smith later revealed to law enforcement that he had smoked methamphetamine.

Smith reveals his motive

After being read his constitutional rights, Smith told officers that he had gone to Seattle to run errands and had gotten stuck there for a few days.

Smith stated that he smoked methamphetamine while in Seattle, but he was unclear when he did, according to court documents. At one point, Smith said he had just smoked methamphetamine, but also later said it was a couple of days ago.

Smith revealed that he wanted to go home, but didn’t want to take the light rail, which led to his decision to steal the WSP vehicle.

He later admitted to forcibly removing the officer from the patrol car and stealing the vehicle. He also acknowledged seeing the pursuing troopers but refused to pull over.

Detective Sergeant Stacy Moate with WSP mentioned that she noticed Smith’s pupils were dilated and very large during her investigation. Smith’s mood also would fluctuate during the conversation, and he would, at times, stare at her and act “very suspicious.”

The state has requested that Smith’s bail be set at $300,000.

Smith’s previous criminal convictions

Although Smith had no prior felony convictions, he had numerous misdemeanor convictions for violating a restraining order in 2022 and disorderly conduct in 2021.

In 2018, Smith also had two juvenile misdemeanor convictions for fourth-degree domestic violence assault and one juvenile misdemeanor conviction for resisting arrest.

In 2016, Smith received a juvenile misdemeanor for third-degree malicious mischief.

Smith currently has a pending case in Marysville Municipal Court for fourth-degree assault, interfering with a domestic violence report, and exposing a minor to domestic violence in 2024.

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