Trooper treated, released after Sunnyside crash

By on Thursday, January 19th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

SUNNYSIDE – A Washington State Patrol trooper has been treated and released from the hospital after his patrol vehicle was involved in a crash Thursday morning in Sunnyside.

Trooper Chris Thorson said the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Interstate 82 at milepost 66.

Instead of moving away from the trooper’s vehicle, which is required by state law, Thorson said a passenger car moved from the left lane to the right lane, spun out on the icy roadway, then struck the trooper’s patrol vehicle as it was parked on the right shoulder.

The injured trooper was transported to a local emergency room for treatment and has since been released.

The driver was cited for second-degree negligent driving.

Traffic was backed up for two to three miles shortly after the accident as the right lane was blocked while troopers investigated the crash.

Photo via Washington State Patrol