Impaired Shoplifter Slams WSP Trooper-Who Was Coming to Get Them

Washington State Patrol officials now say the shoplifter who slammed into a trooper responding to their crime was 'drugged out.'

Impairment charges are pending for the unnamed driver, who last Sunday night was speeding away from the Walmart in College Place after an alleged heist.

Trooper Chris Thorson, who oversees the Mid Columbia and surrounding area WSP unit, said Wednesday the officer was nearby and responded to the call about the shoplifter. As the trooper approached their store, his cruiser was slammed into by the suspect themselves. The errant driver was driving with no lights, and the officer was essentially blindsided. Both drivers were taken to the hospital, but only sustained minor injuries.

Thorson says the suspect is now facing suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, meth possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and reckless driving.

And that's besides the theft/shoplifting charges.