An off-duty Seattle police officer was struck and killed early Sunday morning while selflessly rendering assistance after witnessing a three-car collision on I-5. The officer has been identified as Lexi Harris, a 5-year-veteran with the Seattle Police Department.
.@KIRO7Seattle has confirmed the @SeattlePD officer killed on I-5 while helping to assist a collision investigation was Lexi Harris, a 5-year veteran. More tonight at 11. pic.twitter.com/VdbnjtXA2y
— DeborahHorne (@DeborahKIRO7) June 14, 2021
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), around 1:19 AM on Sunday, an off-duty Seattle police officer stopped to assist a multiple car collision while heading home from work. Shortly after exiting the vehicle, the officer was struck by another vehicle and was killed on impact.
Please see revised release. pic.twitter.com/ltZqi46izi
— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) June 14, 2021
The driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the officer stayed on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. A different individual involved in the collision, allegedly stole the deceased officers personal vehicle and fled the scene before WSP troopers arrived.
"It really speaks to where we are as a society, where we have such callousness when it comes to loss of life," WSP Capt. Ron Mead said during a Sunday press briefing.
"Anytime a person is killed, simply out there doing what they think is right, should be problematic to anybody. Having someone who happens to be an officer who just finished their shift serving the citizens of Seattle, only to be hit and killed while rendering assistance, who arguably could’ve gone on their way and driven home and gone to bed at the end of the shift. They didn’t do that out of their sense of responsibility, they’re no longer with us. They were under no obligation to stop at that collision scene."
Washington State Patrol investigating after SPD officer killed in Sunday morning collision on I-5. https://t.co/ER6m7jkhHN
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 13, 2021
Assistant Chief Tom Mahaffey of the Seattle Police Department said the entire department and the officer’s family is devastated by the loss.
Sources within SPD described the officer to The Post Millennial as an incredible cop and leader, but most importantly, an amazing human being both inside and out that had a tremendous positive impact on the community.
The officer’s vehicle was found abandoned and is being held for evidence.
Washington State Patrol is asking the community to help identify the individual that stole the officers vehicle. Those with information can submit tips to 425.401.7742
This is a developing story and will be updated.