WSP: Trooper hit by fleeing driver expected to recover

A Washington State Patrol motorcycle trooper is expected to recover from his injuries after being hit and knocked unconscious by a fleeing driver Tuesday, according to the WSP.

Trooper Joe Pass, who has more than 35 years experience, spotted an erratic driver in a pickup Tuesday afternoon along the Palouse Highway, WSP spokesman Trooper Jeff Sevigney said.

“It was on the wrong side of the road,” he said.

Pass attempted to stop the truck but the driver sped away and a Spokane County sheriff’s deputy joined the chase as the truck drove toward the South Hill. The truck turned east on Ben Burr Road, and the deputy hit the truck in an immobilization maneuver, Sevigney said.

After it was hit, the truck spun around 180 degrees and then sped away to the west, directly toward Pass. The two collided on 65th Avenue near Yale Road.

“The pickup sideswiped the trooper on the motorcycle,” Sevigney said.

Pass, who was named WSP Trooper of the Year in the Spokane area last year, was knocked unconscious for a time but his injuries are non-life-threatening, Sevigney said.

The driver of the truck lost control, and the truck ended up on its side in a field. He also sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Sevigney said.

Drug paraphernalia was found in the truck, and the fleeing driver appeared to be under the influence of drugs, Sevigney said. The driver is facing a charge of vehicular assault.