Authorities are investigating a shooting that involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP) last Friday afternoon after a truck was hijacked on I-5.
The WSP said in a news release that a state trooper was involved in a shooting near Martin Way, causing the I-5 to be closed for miles in both directions at around 2 p.m. on November 19.
In a series of tweets on Friday, State Trooper Robert Reyer said southbound I-5 was fully blocked at Martin Way after a pedestrian carjacked a semi-truck and rolled it over.
Authorities negotiated with the suspect, who refused to exit the vehicle, Reyer said.
Suspect was shot by police
Nearly three hours later, the WSP published a news release indicating that a shooting had occurred.
The Region 3 Critical Investigation Team is investigating the incident, led by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
I-5 was reopened later in the day on Friday.
Witness recounts incident
Alek Beers, of Lacey, told The JOLT that he had an encounter with someone he believes was the suspect while he was stuck in traffic on I-5.
Beers said the traffic had slowed to about five miles an hour as he was making his way southbound on I-5 toward Exit 109.
“Out of nowhere steps [in] a guy in a red t-shirt and sweat shorts, and he puts his hands on the hood of my car,” Beers said, adding that the suspect was on foot. “Once I'd stopped, he came around and he tried to open my driver's side door, which fortunately was locked, at which point I sped away.”
Beers said he called 911; he said authorities said were already aware of the situation .
"I recall that both of his hands were empty," Beers said. "I don't recall any weapon, at all."
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