The incident occurred just before 7:30 p.m. Friday on southbound SR 509 near milepost 2, south of the Port of Tacoma.
Tacoma, WA – A Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper was killed in a hit-and-run collision on State Route 509 Friday evening after being struck by a passing vehicle while investigating an earlier two-vehicle crash, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred just before 7:30 p.m. Friday on southbound SR 509 near milepost 2, south of the Port of Tacoma.
Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting was outside her patrol car at the scene of a previous two-vehicle collision when she was struck by a vehicle.
According to WSP, Trooper Guting was responding to the initial crash call and was incapacitated from the impact, lying motionless in the right lane of the roadway.
Bystanders and individuals on scene immediately rendered aid; however, Trooper Guting ultimately succumbed to her injuries. A pickup truck involved in the secondary strike then fled the scene, officials said.
The investigation into the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run remains active. No arrests have been reported, and authorities are seeking public assistance.
Washington State Patrol and Tacoma Police Department units responded to the site. The Tacoma Police Department has taken over the investigation of the fatal hit-and-run collision.
The hit-and-run resulted in significant emergency response activity on southbound SR 509, affecting traffic in the area as investigators processed the scene.
The tragic Tacoma crash is under investigation by Tacoma Police and WSP, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the fleeing vehicle to come forward.
Drivers in Tacoma are urged to remain vigilant on the road, especially in high-traffic areas, freeway interchanges, and busy intersections, where many serious crashes occur. Maintaining safe speeds, respecting traffic signals, and leaving enough space for other vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians can prevent collisions. Regular vehicle and motorcycle maintenance, including brakes, tires, and lights, ensures you can respond safely to sudden hazards. Avoiding distractions and never driving under the influence are crucial, especially during morning and evening commutes when traffic is at its heaviest. By staying alert, cautious, and predictable, motorists can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to safer roads for everyone in the county.