Recent Rock-Throwing Incidents Prompt Multi-Agency Investigation

SEATTLE — Washington State Patrol is working with the Seattle Police Department and the Washington State Department of Transportation to catch those responsible for throwing rocks at drivers on Interstate 5 in Seattle and along the Interstate 90 corridor. Trooper Rick Johnson said WSP was aware of 74 rock-throwing incidents on the two interstates so far in 2021.

The most recent incident happened in Seattle late Monday night. Troopers said a rock thrown from a construction area hit a driver heading east on Interstate 90, causing him to crash into a barrier and temporarily lose consciousness. Investigators at the scene were unable to locate a suspect.

To help catch the person or people responsible for the dozens of recent incidents, Johnson said WSP, SPD and WSDOT were implementing a four-pronged approach:

• Using analysts to establish a pattern of date, time and location in order to deploy troopers/officers to the area during this timeframe.
• Increasing the number of troopers in the area as much as possible.
• Using WSP aircraft in the area to assist in locating the suspect(s) when the rock-throwing occurs.
• Coordinating with WSDOT to have their camera turned to the areas where this most commonly occurs.

"The efforts listed above are ongoing however it is difficult due to the fact that the location and time vary," Johnson wrote. "These criminal actions being made by unidentified subject(s) are intolerable and all efforts are being made to quickly apprehend the suspect to protect public safety."

Johnson said commuters on both interstates, particularly in the Seattle area, should call 911 if they see any pedestrians, regardless of whether they directly see rocks being thrown. Criminal charges for the incidents can range from misdemeanors to felonies, Johnson said, and WSP is treating the case as a high priority until arrests are made.