TACOMA, Wash. – Washington State troopers faced a perilous weekend, with one killed and two others hospitalized after being hit by cars near Tacoma and Snoqualmie Pass.
Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, tragically lost her life on Friday while assisting drivers involved in a crash near the Port of Tacoma. Authorities reported that no arrests have been made, and the driver responsible did not remain at the scene.
Later that same day, another trooper was struck while attending to a crash on I-90, on the west side of Snoqualmie Pass. Fortunately, the trooper was sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Early this morning, a third trooper was hit by a car on State Route 512 while assisting a disabled motorist. This incident briefly blocked the road, and the trooper was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the “move-over” laws in both Washington and Idaho. Drivers must slow down or change lanes when they see flashing lights. In Washington, failing to comply could result in a $214 fine. In Idaho, hitting an officer carries a $90 fine.
Nationwide, 17 officers were struck and killed in 2024. The dangers faced by troopers highlight the importance of adhering to traffic laws designed to protect those who serve and assist on the roads.
