MARYSVILLE, Wash. — The driver who is accused of hitting and killing a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper over the weekend told deputies he had used marijuana and drank multiple beers before the deadly crash, court documents say.
Just before 3 a.m. on March 2, Trooper Christopher M. Gadd was hit by a driver on southbound I-5 near Marysville while working, according to WSP. He died at the scene. Authorities said the suspect was driving at a high rate of speed when he struck Gadd's patrol vehicle.
The suspect, a 32-year-old Lynnwood man, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said. KING 5 is not naming the suspect at this time as he has not been charged formally with a crime.
The suspect was interviewed at the hospital after waiving his Miranda rights and said he smoked "a bowl of Marijuana" earlier that night and had a glass of beer, court documents show. Deputies said the suspect's eyes were closed for most of the time they were speaking with him, but they did say his eyes were "bloodshot" when they were open for a short time.
A Drug Recognition Expert who spoke with the suspect at the hospital said he saw "multiple physiological signs consistent with recent Marijuana usage." The suspect's blood was drawn at the hospital, and a voluntary Preliminary Breath Test taken about 3.5 hours after the collision came back with a .047 reading. The suspect also admitted to deputies that he had consumed 2 beers after initially saying he had only one.
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle put an immigration detainer at the Snohomish County Jail on March 4 for the suspect, according to a spokesperson with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The suspect is a citizen of Mexico who unlawfully entered the United States at an unknown time, according to ICE. His criminal history in the U.S. dates back to 2013 for driving with a suspended license.
Trooper Gadd's family issued a statement, which reads in part: "We are working through what is undoubtedly the most difficult of times for our family as we mourn the loss of a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, beloved son, and committed friend. We appreciate the outpouring of support we have seen from the community that Chris loved and served."
'A good man'
The 27-year-old trooper is survived by his wife and his 2-year-old daughter, WSP Chief John Batiste said at a news conference. Gadd's father is also a Washington State Patrol trooper and his sister serves as a trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
"I want [people] to think about the fact that a man, a good man, a father, a good husband, and outstanding son gave his life in service to the people of the great state of Washington,” Batiste said. "That's what I want them to remember."
Gadd was born in Pasco, Wash., on Sept. 28, 1996. He graduated from Kentlake High School in 2015 and attended Green River College and Tacoma Community College, where he earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Gadd began working with WSP on Sept. 16, 2021, as a cadet in Grandview, Wash. In April 2022, he was transferred to the training division to become part of the 116th Trooper Basic Training class. Batiste said several people in his class continued to work with him in the district.
Gadd rose to the top of his class, graduating on Nov. 16, 2022, and earning a top academic award which recognizes the cadet who attains the highest grade point average over 30 exams and quizzes during their training.
“Because he served, it’s our duty to continue to service and it's our duty to honor him and never forget, never forget his ultimate sacrifice," Batiste said. "We will never forget Trooper Christopher Gadd, badge number 927 of the Washington State Patrol.”
He was assigned to the Marysville area on Dec. 7, 2022, under the leadership of WSP Capt. Jason Knott.
Gadd is the 33rd trooper to be killed in the WSP's 103 years of service.
“Today shows the seriousness of the work done by the trooper and other law enforcement agencies in this state and around the country," Batiste said over the weekend. "When they put their badge on and they pledge to serve, they also know that this day could possibly arrive. ... I can’t express my love and appreciation for such a fine young man who was truly dedicated.”