MYNORTHWEST NEWS

State trooper struck, killed on I-5 in Chehalis

Mar 24, 2020, 10:15 PM

Schaffer...

Trooper Justin Schaffer. (Washington State Patrol)

(Washington State Patrol)

A Washington state trooper was struck and killed by a car during a high-speed on I-5 in Chehalis on Tuesday.

The Washington State Patrol says Trooper Justin Schaffer, 28, was placing spike strips on the highway.

Schaffer, who served with WSP for 7 years, is survived by his wife, Sandra, his mother, father, brother, and K9 partner.

“Our hearts go out to this grieving family and we recognize the unique sacrifice they have offered to our state as Justin’s father, Glenn, is currently the Chief of Police in the City of Chehalis,” the WSP said in a news release on Tuesday.

The Washington State Patrol said Schaffer is the 30th member of the WSP member to die in the line of duty.

“In his last moments on the earth, he was wearing the uniform of the Washington State Patrol,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “We must pause and reflect on the character of each of the men and women we have lost over the years. Like Justin, they each served as one of the state’s guardians and each day of their work, they walked into unknown dangers with well-known courage. We will never forget him. Never…”

A memorial service is pending.

MyNorthwest News

olympia encampment fire i-5...

Jason Sutich

Encampment fire burns for hours along I-5 in Olympia before crews extinguish it

A fire broke out overnight in an encampment off northbound I-5 in Olympia and burned for roughly two hours before it was extinguished.

34 minutes ago

seattle center - panda fest...

Tyrah Majors, KIRO 7 News

Panda Fest adds enhanced security measures as thousands expected at Seattle Center

Panda Fest is returning to Seattle Center, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate Asian food, culture, and entertainment.

59 minutes ago

gas prices record high iran ukraine conflict...

Manda Factor

Gas prices hit record highs for August as Ukraine, Iran conflicts drive costs up

The national average price of gasoline stood at $4.05 a gallon Monday, the highest ever recorded this late in the calendar year.

2 hours ago

denny way bus-only lane seattle...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Seattle opens bus-only lane on Denny Way

Changes are officially here for one of Seattle’s busiest bus corridors. Several blocks of Denny Way eastbound in Seattle are now bus-only.

3 hours ago

lynnwood fatal shooting...

Jason Sutich

Fatal shooting at Lynnwood gas station leaves one dead, one in custody

A fatal shooting occurred at a Lynnwood gas station late Sunday night, with one victim sustaining several gunshot wounds.

3 hours ago

I-5 downtown seattle olive way...

Frank Sumrall

Northbound I-5 reopens at Olive Way in downtown Seattle after Monday morning crash

All northbound I-5 lanes are clear at Olive Way in downtown Seattle after a crash occurred Monday morning.

4 hours ago

State trooper struck, killed on I-5 in Chehalis