Washington shooting: State Patrol trooper shot in face, in critical condition

A Washington State Patrol trooper was shot and critically injured in Walla Walla on Thursday, September 22, authorities have revealed. The incident took place at around 5:20 pm on Thursday, when the trooper conducted a traffic half to apprehend the shooter.

After he was shot, the injured trooper drove to the Providence St. Mary Medical Center himself, where he underwent treatment. Washington State Patrol public relation officer Trooper Sarah Clasen later confirmed that the injured trooper was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

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According to the Law Enforcement authorities, the shooting incident took place at around 5:20 pm near the intersection of Myra Road and West Poplar Street. The police have arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting incident, however, his identity has not been released till now.

According to reports, the injured trooper was conducting a traffic halt when the shooter crashed into his car. However, the authorities are yet to ascertain what caused the shooting to take place, however, the arrested suspect has been found connected with another incident on Thursday. After ramming his vehicle into that of the trooper, the suspect shot the officer in his face, injuring him seriously in the process.

Following the shooting, the suspect left the scene, however, was arrested later by the local police. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and have urged residents to avoid Poplar Street, Avery Street and state Route 125 until further notice.

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According to the Washington State Patrol authorities, the current condition of the injured trooper has become more critical, which has prompted the authorities to airlift him to the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. No other details regarding the shooting have been released till now.

Gun violence is on the rise in the United States and countless other law enforcement officers have been shot at and critically injured in the last couple of months. According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report, the number of US police officers shot dead rose 59% in April 2022.

“Wearing the badge shouldn’t make you a target,” FBI Director Christopher Wray told 60 minutes in April.