Seattle, WA – A 24-year-old man is in custody after allegedly dragging a Washington State Patrol lieutenant from her squad car and speeding away in the stolen vehicle on Interstate 5 in Seattle, authorities said.
The brazen Christmas Day incident sparked a high-speed police chase and left multiple law enforcement vehicles damaged before the suspect was apprehended.
Lieutenant Dragged from Patrol Car During Freeway Incident
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on December 25, 2025, when a Washington State Patrol lieutenant responded to reports of a man wandering across the northbound lanes of I-5. The suspect, later identified as Alexander Eugene Smith, reportedly appeared under the influence of methamphetamine as he paced dangerously in the middle of the freeway.
Footage obtained by media outlets shows Smith approaching the marked patrol SUV, swinging open the driver’s door, and pulling the lieutenant onto the roadway. He then sped off in the vehicle while the officer struggled with the locked door. The lieutenant reportedly suffered minor injuries during the encounter.
Wild High-Speed Chase Ensues
Multiple Washington State Patrol officers immediately pursued the stolen patrol car, which was traveling at high speeds along Seattle’s busiest highway. Authorities ultimately rammed the vehicle into the shoulder, bringing it to a stop and taking Smith into custody without further incident.
Police said several patrol cars sustained damage during the pursuit, underscoring the chaotic nature of the chase.
Meth Use and Evidence Recovered
Smith initially refused to identify himself, but later admitted to smoking methamphetamine earlier in the day. Officers also found two glass pipes with burned residue on the suspect, further confirming his drug use during the incident.
Authorities described Smith as erratic and dangerous, noting that his behavior posed a serious threat to both law enforcement and motorists on the freeway.
Criminal Charges Filed
Alexander Eugene Smith, 24, of Washington state, faces a number of serious charges, including:
- Robbery
- Felony eluding
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
- Assault on a law enforcement officer
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
Smith refused to attend his arraignment on Friday and is scheduled to appear in court again Saturday afternoon. He is currently being held at the King County Jail.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Authorities emphasized the dangerous and reckless nature of Smith’s actions, noting that hijacking a law enforcement vehicle while armed with drugs creates a significant risk to both officers and the public. Officials thanked responding troopers for their swift and coordinated response, which safely ended the pursuit and minimized injuries.
The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving and substance abuse, especially in high-traffic areas.
What are your thoughts on this daring freeway hijacking and police response? Share your opinions in the comments below.
