Washington State Patrol “Smokey” aircraft tracks down reckless driving suspects
Aug 2, 2025, 3:16 PM
This pickup became wedged between vehicles on I-5 in Fife, after the driver tried to outrun state troopers. (Photo: Washington State Patrol)
(Photo: Washington State Patrol)
A Washington State Patrol law enforcement aircraft helped arrest two reckless drivers overnight.
The plane, known as “Smokey,” first helped officers track down an erratically-driven pickup spotted on I-5 near Tukwila.
Someone called 911 after spotting a possible DUI suspect driving the truck in a dangerous manner.
Troopers tried to stop it, but the driver took off southbound.
To keep everyone safe, the pursuit of that reckless driver was turned over to Smokey, the state patrol aircraft, and ground units terminated their chase.
The pilot flying the plane followed the vehicle down I-5 into Fife.
Police say as the truck approached heavy traffic in the Fife curves and slowed down, troopers again tried to pull over the driver.
They say that’s when truck became lodged between two cars, when the driver tried to squeeze through traffic.
Officers arrested the driver for investigation of Eluding, Felony DUI, and other outstanding warrants.
No one was seriously hurt.
Shortly after that, troopers had another high-speed chase on their hands.
Officers witnessed a BMW going close to 100 miles an hour on I-5 in Federal Way.
The driver of this BMW told police “pure stupidity” caused him to drive close to 100 mph on I-5, before a state patrol aircraft named “Smokey” tracked him down in Ellensburg. (Photo: Washington State Patrol)
The car continued on, but lost a rim and ended up veering off into a field, where officers arrested the driver.
Officers deployed spike strips to send the driver of this BMW into a field near Ellensburg, after the car was followed by a state patrol aircraft into Kittitas County. (Photo: Washington State Patrol)
That suspect was booked for Eluding, which is considered a felony.
Troopers say when they asked the driver why he took off, they say he replied, “pure stupidity.”
