WSP investigates hit-and-run crash, road closed near Spokane

On Saturday morning, a suspected DUI driver collided with an unoccupied Washington State Patrol vehicle on I-5 near Silver Lake, where the patrol car was positioned to block the HOV lane due to a prior accident. The incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m., and the driver was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the emergency lights and flares in place, traffic was severely impacted, causing backups of over four miles that lasted until late morning. The trooper was not inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, and charges are expected to be filed against the suspected DUI driver. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding driver safety and the importance of moving over for emergency vehicles. The Washington State Patrol is urging drivers to drive sober and be cautious around accident scenes.