Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
August 10, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Cliff Pratt
Phone:
(425) 766-0812
E-mail:
Clifford.Pratt@wsp.wa.gov
Reckless Motorcyclists “Taunt” Trooper Trapped in Patrol Car after Serious Collision
SEATTLE, WA - On August 10, 2010 at 6:30pm, 22 year Washington State Patrol veteran, Trooper Brian Salyer, radioed his dispatch that he was attempting to overtake a group of motorcycles traveling well over a 100 miles per hour northbound on interstate 5 from southbound interstate 405. As Trooper Salyer attempted to get close enough to identify the lead (and fastest) of the reckless bikes, two of them intentionally cut in front of his patrol car. Trooper Salyer was forced to swerve and slam on the brakes to avoid running them over. This action is what apparently caused the loss of vehicle control on the ramp from northbound interstate 5 to northbound state route 599. The patrol car struck the guardrail and violently rolled several times before coming to rest in the ditch.
The force of the collision seriously injured Trooper Salyer. He was pinned in his patrol vehicle and firefighters were forced to extricate the trooper. He told investigators that as he was struggling to get out of the severely damaged car, he observed at least two of the reckless motorcycle riders return to his collision scene, park within 30 feet of his car, get off their motorcycles and begin taunting him by clapping and laughing at him as he lay bleeding and struggling within the wreckage. The riders rode off quickly as other motorists pulled over and assisted the trooper by calling 911.
Information and descriptions of the riders are being withheld at this time until detectives can contact all potential witnesses and collect evidence.
Trooper Salyer was transported to Harborview Medical Center. As of this release (12:45 am), he is being treated for a mild concussion, head and neck lacerations, and significant bumps and bruises. He is expected to be released from the hospital by early morning.
