In brief: Trooper’s vehicle hit on interstate

ARLINGTON, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol said one of its troopers was injured Friday when his patrol car was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 5 near Arlington.

Trooper Keith Leary said the trooper had pulled his unmarked car to the left shoulder of the freeway when it was struck by another car about 11 a.m. The officer, 58-year-old Mack Hyatt, was taken to an Everett hospital, where Leary said he was undergoing tests and treatment for back pain.

The WSP said the man driving the other vehicle, 50-year-old Ronald Peterson, of Ferndale, Wash., was not injured and was arrested for investigation of vehicular assault.

Lawyer challenges Seattle gun ban

SEATTLE – A lawyer who carried a pistol into a West Seattle community center to challenge Seattle’s new ban on guns in public spaces has filed suit in federal court, saying the policy violates the U.S. and state constitutions.

In the lawsuit filed Friday, Bob Warden said he wants the gun ban repealed and his legal fees paid and seeks punitive damages against Mayor Greg Nickels.

The ban on guns at more than 500 Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities where children go, including parks, playgrounds and community centers, took effect in October.

Warden, 44, carried his gun into the community center Nov. 14 and was asked to leave. He did so.

Others have challenged the ban in Superior Court but Warden said he thinks those plaintiffs may not have standing because they haven’t been denied admission to a city park.