State Trooper Injured in Crash on I-5 in Tacoma

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A Washington State Patrol trooper was injured early Saturday morning after a driver crashed into a patrol vehicle on Interstate 5 in Tacoma. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on February 21 while troopers were already responding to a separate crash on southbound I-5 near S 72nd St. The driver reportedly swerved onto the highway shoulder and struck the trooper's car before continuing southbound. Details about the extent of the trooper's injuries have not been released.

Why it matters

Highway crash scenes present serious risks for first responders, especially on busy roadways like I-5. Troopers, firefighters, and medical crews often work close to moving traffic while assisting victims and directing vehicles around the scene. Using the shoulder as a travel lane can create unexpected hazards, and reduced visibility at night can make it harder for drivers to see flashing lights or stopped vehicles in time.

The details

According to officials, a sedan drove through the active crash scene on I-5 and struck a marked patrol vehicle. The driver had reportedly swerved onto the highway shoulder and was using it as a travel lane before hitting the trooper's car. After the impact, the sedan continued southbound. No additional information about the driver has been made available.

• The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on February 21, 2026.

What’s next

The incident remains under active investigation.