PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Washington State Patrol trooper died Tuesday evening after being hit by a vehicle that was trying to flee authorities on Interstate 5 in Chehalis, officials said.
WSP said 28-year-old Trooper Justin Schaffer was trying to set out spike strips to stop the vehicle when it struck him on southbound I-5 at milepost 79. Schaffer was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Seattle where he died of his injuries.
Schaffer was a seven-year veteran of WSP. He leaves behind a wife, his parents, a brother and his K9 partner “Frankie.”
The crash blocked all southbound lanes for more than two hours. The roadway reopened by about 6:45 p.m.
Details about the suspect vehicle have not been released.
Information about a memorial service will be released at a later time. Schaffer was the 30th member of WSP to die in the line of duty.
