Marysville, Washington – A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday when Washington State Patrol trooper Christopher Gadd lost his life after being struck by a motorist near Seattle. The suspect, Raul Benitez Santana, has been charged in connection with the trooper’s death, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
Trooper Gadd, 27, was fatally injured in the early hours of Saturday when a driver crashed into his parked patrol vehicle on Interstate 5 in Marysville, approximately 30 miles north of Seattle. Santana, a 33-year-old Mexican citizen who entered the US unlawfully, admitted to consuming marijuana and alcohol before the collision, as revealed in the arrest affidavit.
The tragic incident comes amidst a national debate on immigration policies, with Santana’s immigration status raising questions about border security measures. Despite the heightened tensions, it is important to note that there is limited evidence linking immigration to crime rates, emphasizing the complexities of the issue.
Santana, who was previously encountered by ICE in 2013, is currently held on a $1 million bond in the Snohomish County Jail. He faces charges of vehicular homicide in Trooper Gadd’s death and vehicular assault for injuries sustained by another driver involved in the crash.
Eyewitnesses reported Santana driving at a high speed before colliding with Trooper Gadd’s vehicle, which was parked with its lights off on the shoulder of the interstate. The impact caused Santana’s car to bounce off and hit a van carrying six individuals, resulting in injuries to the van’s driver.
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste expressed deep condolences to Gadd’s family, highlighting the profound loss suffered by the agency. Gadd, who served for two and a half years as a trooper, leaves behind his wife, daughter, father, mother, and sister, who serves as a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The tragic loss of Trooper Gadd marks the 33rd member of the state patrol to die in the line of duty, underscoring the risks faced by law enforcement officers in ensuring public safety. The community mourns his loss, pledging to honor his memory by continuing to serve with dedication and commitment.