4 Cars Hit In Latest Rock-Throwing Incident On I-90: WSP

SEATTLE — Troopers and police are still searching for the person who may be responsible for the latest rash of objects being thrown at cars on the freeway after another four drivers were hit late Sunday afternoon.

Troopers have seen more than 160 such reports in King County since the year began. Despite a few arrests, drivers continue to be pelted by objects thrown from overpasses or the side of the freeway. On Sunday afternoon, WSP said four vehicles were hit by debris thrown from the shoulder as they drove westbound on Interstate 90, near Rainier Avenue South, in broad daylight. Trooper Chase Van Cleave told Patch that a brick broke one windshield, and at least two people needed medical attention for cuts.

WSP and the Seattle Police Department searched the area but could not find a suspect, Van Cleave said. At least one vehicle was equipped with a dash camera, and detectives are reviewing the footage. Van Cleave said WSP continues to analyze the dozens of recent incidents for trends and patterns.

In June, WSP announced a multi-agency effort with Seattle police and state transportation officials to help catch culprits using a four-pronged approach:

• Using analysts to establish a pattern of date, time and location in order to deploy troopers/officers to the area during this timeframe.
• Increasing the number of troopers in the area as much as possible.
• Using WSP aircraft in the area to assist in locating the suspect(s) when the rock-throwing occurs.
• Coordinating with WSDOT to have their camera turned to the areas where this most commonly occurs.

Drivers on the two interstates are encouraged to call 911 if they see any pedestrians, regardless of whether they directly see rocks being thrown. Criminal charges for the incidents can range from misdemeanors to felonies.