Brother of Lynnwood Councilwoman faces theft charge in alleged porch piracy amid conflict-of-interest concerns
LYNNWOOD—In the early hours of August 14, 2025, Joshua De La Cruz, the 37-year-old brother of Lynnwood lawmaker City Councilwoman Derica Escamilla, was arrested on a charge of third-degree theft following an alleged incident involving stolen packages and mail from a residential porch. The case, handled by the Lynnwood Police Department, has raised questions about […]
Suspect arrested after breaking into State Capitol Building and going on vandalism rampage
OLYMPIA—A suspect has been arrested by the Washington State Patrol after breaking into the State Capitol Building Sunday night, setting fire to flags and rooms, and damaging several facilities and historic artifacts throughout his 10-minute vandalistic rampage. According to the Washington State Patrol, the suspect parked his vehicle on the flower bed in flag circle […]
Lynnwood PD’s second Shop with a Cop a success, several more community events to come
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood Police Department’s second annual Shop with a Cop: Back to School event at Alderwood Mall was a success with over 30 Edmonds School District students walking away with brand new clothes, school supplies, and positive interactions with local law enforcement officers. The event took place at Alderwood Mall on Tuesday, August 19, […]
22-year-old Monroe man passes away after fatal collision on US-2
MONROE—Gavin J Wright, 22, of Monroe was pronounced deceased at the scene after a fatal collision on US-2 roughly 2 miles west from Sultan on September 6, Washington State Patrol reports. At approximately 5:48 p.m., Saturday evening, emergency personnel responded to reports of an incident near The Lodge at Sonneveldt Vineyard at Fern Bluff Road. […]
GUILTY verdict in tragic death of WSP trooper Christopher Gadd
EVERETT—A jury delivered a guilty verdict on June 4, 2025, convicting Raul Benitez-Santana, 33, of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in the death of Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Christopher Gadd. The decision, reached after just two hours of deliberation, marks a somber milestone in a case that has gripped the region since the fatal […]
Case against accused killer of WSP trooper could be dismissed because of WA state sanctuary laws
EVERETT—Raul Benitez-Santana, 33, the Mexican national who was illegally in the United States and is charged with the 2024 death of Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd, 27, may have his case dismissed because of Washington State’s sanctuary laws, KOMO News reports. Benitez-Santana’s attorney’s filed a motion to dismiss the case alleging that the Snohomish County […]
WSP and Washington Traffic Safety Commission urge safe driving
OLYMPIA—As Washingtonians prepare to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers to make safe and responsible choices behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be increasing patrols throughout the weekend, focusing on impaired driving and speed enforcement. “Our message is […]
Drivers reminded to make good choices over the holidays
OLYMPIA—The Washington State Patrol and Washington Traffic Safety Commission want to remind everyone using the roadways this holiday season that safe roads come down to good decisions. Impaired driving, driving too fast, driving distracted, and not wearing your seatbelts are bad decisions that cost lives every year. We all want the holidays to be about […]
Statewide “One More Stop” emphasis patrol to honor fallen WSP trooper
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is holding a statewide “One More Stop” emphasis patrol in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd #927 on Friday, Sept. 27. Trooper Gadd was killed after being struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 just north of Marysvilleon March 2, 2024. Prior to the tragic incident, Trooper […]
Washington State Patrol honors its oldest living retiree, standing strong at 102
PUYALLUP—The Washington State Patrol held a brief Meet & Greet opportunity with retired WSP Captain Howard F West on Tuesday, August 27, honoring the agency’s oldest living retiree. The event was held at the Washington State Fairgrounds, just two months after Captain West’s 102nd birthday who retired from the law enforcement agency on January 31, […]
