Note: This is an ongoing story and will be updated as information is released.
May 17, 10 a.m.:
Statement from the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team from May 16, 8:50 p.m.:
Shortly after 4 p.m., Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to a report of a road rage incident on the shoulder of I-5 northbound near milepost 197. The suspect vehicle began ramming a WSDOT vehicle and a lift that was on the shoulder of I-5, operating over the slough, with two employees onboard.
The suspect was armed with a hammer and an altercation ensued between the suspect, WSDOT employees and a Washington State Patrol trooper. During the altercation, the WSP trooper shot the suspect. Law enforcement immediately rendered aid to the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
One WSDOT employee had non-life-threatening injuries.
Interstate 5 North between Everett and Marysville remained closed until midnight for SMART detectives could investigate the scene.
Northbound I-5 is currently experiencing standstill traffic backups due to a reported shooting incident involving an unknown suspect and State Trooper. Both Northbound and Southbound traffic is being held at MP 196 near Union Slough. Video footage from the Washington State Department of Transportation site showed what appeared to be the suspect in question leaving a vehicle and assaulting construction workers near a right hand side barricade.
According to WSDOT Communication Consultant, Elizabeth Mount, no estimated time for reopening is available.
On X (Twitter), Trooper Kelsey Harding shared a tweet encouraging commuters to avoid the area until the incident has been resolved.
