BENTON COUNTY, Wash. — Police arrested a Washington State Patrol trooper in Richland on Saturday.
According to WSP Chief John Batiste, Richland Police arrested an off-duty WSP trooper on March 1 for their involvement in a fatal car crash.
Chief Batiste said the trooper was in their personal car during the crash.
RPD is conducting an investigation into what caused the crash.
“The Washington State Patrol offers our sincerest condolences to the victim and their loved ones. I have every confidence that the Richland Police Department will investigate this case with great care and professionalism. We are thankful there were no other injuries and will of course cooperate in any way requested by the independent investigating agency,” Batiste said.
He went on to say no law enforcement officers are immune from tragedy or personal accountability.
“We urge all motorists to always drive with focus, care and caution,” he said.
CORRECTION: Another story published on March 2 by 4 News Now incorrectly identified the arrested WSP trooper. That incorrect information came from another fatal crash reported in the same county, on the same day, involving someone whose name matched the name of a WSP trooper. The incorrect story has since been unpublished.
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