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, […]
“Legendary” Trooper Marcus hits 4,000th DUI arrest mark
SPOKANE—The Washington State Patrol would like to remind all drivers in the coming long Memorial Day weekend that driving impaired can be the worst and most dangerous decision in your lives. “Please, enjoy the holiday but drive responsibly, obey the speed limits, put the phones and devices away, don’t follow too closely and NEVER drive […]
WSP 118th Trooper Basic Training Class graduates 47 new troopers
OLYMPIA—The Washington State Patrol (WSP) added 47 newly commissioned troopers to its ranks on March 27 during the 118th Trooper Basic Training (TBTC) graduation ceremony held at the state Capitol Rotunda. Six of the 47 graduates will be assigned to Snohomish County. The graduation marks the completion of more than 1,400 hours of rigorous training, […]
Memorial held for fallen State Trooper at Everett’s Angel of the Wind Arena
EVERETT—Law enforcement agencies throughout the state gathered together with Snohomish County residents at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Tuesday, March 12, to honor the life of Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd #927, who was killed in the line-of-duty on March 2 after being struck by a speeding, and allegedly impaired, driver […]
WSP Trooper Christopher Gadd memorial service, procession details
EVERETT—The procession and memorial services for fallen Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Christopher M. Gadd #927 have been finalized, with the events taking place on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Everett, Wash. Trooper Gadd will be afforded full formal law enforcement honors, with the public ceremony being viewable by local news stations and on the […]
