A man believed to be high on methamphetamine stole a Washington State Patrol vehicle from a female lieutenant and took officers on a perilous high-speed pursuit down Interstate 5 on Christmas morning.

Authorities say 24-year-old Alexander Eugene Smith yanked the trooper from her marked SUV during a roadside response, then sped off in the cruiser, sparking a wild chase that ended with his arrest near Lynnwood just before noon, as the New York Post reports.

The incident began around 11 a.m. on Dec. 25, when a Washington State Patrol lieutenant responded to multiple reports of a man dangerously walking across the lanes of northbound I-5 in Seattle. Traffic cameras captured the man—later identified as Smith—pacing erratically among moving cars and appearing disoriented and agitated. Motorists were reportedly forced to swerve or slow down to avoid hitting him.

As the lieutenant arrived at the scene in a clearly marked patrol SUV with emergency lights activated, Smith quickly approached the vehicle. According to law enforcement sources, the suspect then forcefully opened the driver’s side door, physically dragged the trooper out onto the pavement, and jumped behind the wheel. The lieutenant suffered minor injuries during the struggle but did not require hospitalization.

Once Smith commandeered the patrol vehicle, he accelerated northbound at high speed, weaving through holiday traffic on one of the busiest roadways in Washington state. Multiple troopers initiated a pursuit, leading to a high-risk chase that placed both officers and drivers in harm’s way. Dashcam and helicopter footage of the chase is expected to be released in the coming days.

Police Disable Cruiser Near Lynnwood After Pursuit

The chase came to an end near 212th Street SW, where troopers executed a maneuver that rammed the stolen SUV to the shoulder of the freeway, ending the threat. Troopers quickly surrounded the vehicle and apprehended Smith at the scene. Authorities said he initially refused to provide his name, but later admitted to ingesting meth earlier in the day.

During a search, authorities reportedly found two glass pipes on Smith containing dark, tar-like residue, consistent with methamphetamine use. Several police vehicles sustained damage during the efforts to stop him. Fortunately, no major injuries to officers or civilians were reported as a result of the chase.

Smith was booked into the King County Jail later that afternoon. Prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges, including robbery, felony eluding, assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving under the influence. The severity of the charges reflects the dangerous nature of both the carjacking and the pursuit.

Suspect Refuses Court Hearing Day After Arrest

The 24-year-old suspect made headlines again when he refused to attend his initial court appearance on Friday, Dec. 26. Officials said he is currently being held pending a formal arraignment, which was rescheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 27. If convicted of all charges, Smith could face a lengthy prison sentence.

This incident has sparked renewed concerns about officer safety and the burden placed on troopers responding alone to volatile scenes on high-speed roadways. The lieutenant involved in this incident was reportedly working solo at the time she confronted the suspect. State Patrol officials have yet to comment publicly on whether new safety protocols will be implemented.

Video footage capturing the initial confrontation and the moment Smith took control of the cruiser has circulated widely online. Law enforcement officials urge members of the public not to approach unstable individuals in traffic and to contact 911 instead.

Lessons to Learn

Although this incident ended without serious injuries, it reveals several critical safety lessons for both law enforcement and the public:

1. Never underestimate how quickly a situation can escalate. The lieutenant likely responded, expecting a standard call involving pedestrian safety. Within moments, she was physically attacked. Even experienced professionals can be caught off guard.

2. Drug use and mental health crises can lead to unpredictable behavior. The suspect in this case reportedly admitted to meth use and displayed erratic, dangerous actions. Such individuals must be approached with extreme caution.

3. Most importantly, crime can happen to anyone at any time. Even those trained to handle emergencies are not immune. We should support victims, not blame them, no matter how the event unfolds.

Why This Story Matters

This incident shines a light on the increasing challenges law enforcement officers face daily, especially while operating alone on busy highways.

The brazen nature of the carjacking underscores the growing danger posed by drug-fueled behavior in public spaces.

Situations like these demand serious reflection from public officials on how best to safeguard both first responders and community members.