“One More Stop” Emphasis Patrol: 5,300 Motorist Contacts in 73 hours

 “One More Stop” Emphasis Patrol: 5,300 Motorist Contacts in 73 hours

Olympia, WA — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) supported a multistate emphasis patrol in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd #927 beginning on Friday, Sept. 26.

Trooper Gadd was killed after being struck by an impaired driver on Interstate 5 just north of Marysville on March 2, 2024. Just prior to the tragic incident, Trooper Gadd had messaged to his detachment members he was going to meet up with them for break after “one more stop.”

In honor of Trooper Gadd’s dedication and sacrifice that night, WSP and law enforcement agencies across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho conducted “One More Stop” emphasis patrols from Friday, Sept. 26 to Monday, Sept. 29.

As a result, state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers contacted 5,330 motorists across Washington. Forty-six percent (46%) were issued citations for infractions, while 54 percent were issued warnings. In addition, 109 motorists were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and 144 were arrested for other offenses or warrants.

The most common infraction cited was for speeding, which represented 28 percent of all motorist contacts. Citations for distracted driving were 4 percent, followed by 2.6 percent for seat belt and passenger restraint violations.

“As we learned from the tragic loss of Trooper Christopher Gadd, impairment and speed are a fatal combination,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. “I’m proud of the dedicated efforts of troopers, deputies, and officers across Washington, and our counterparts from Oregon and Idaho, who continue to honor his memory through their commitment to making our roads safer.”