Shawn Foutch (2022)
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Overview
On August 12, 2022, Foutch was driving a semi truck on the interstate. Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Phirawat Apisit attempted to start a rolling slowdown, but swerved in front of Foutch's truck and was struck.[1][2]
The incident was captured on Apisit's and Foutch's in-vehicle cameras.[3]
Troopers Regan Klepac and Timothy Whales said they "sensed a strong odor of intoxicants" from Foutch. Sergeant T.J. Johnson also claimed to smell intoxicants. Breath and blood tests showed zero alcohol in Foutch's system.[1][2]
Johnson called a WSP collision technician to investigate the accident. The investigator concluded that the accident was Apisit's fault and discouraged Johnson from citing Foutch.[2]
Johnson cited Foutch for negligent driving.[2]
An unnamed lieutenant who supervised Johnson told him to drop the charge against Foutch.[2]
The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) found that Johnson violated codes of both conduct and ethics, and was insubordinate.[2]
In 2023, prosecutors dropped the charge against Foutch.[2]
In May 2023, Johnson was placed on "administrative reassignment".[4]
The agency decided to demote Johnson to trooper, with a reduction in pay.[2]
The unnamed lieutenant did not follow up with Johnson, and OPS cited and reprimanded him for failing to take appropriate action.[2]
Apisit was cited for Inappropriate Vehicle Operation and was given 10 hours of additional driver training.[2]
In 2023, Johnson resigned before he was demoted.[2]
Officers Involved
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chris Ingalls, State Patrol expert determines trooper at fault in injury crash, but WSP cited the other driver, KING, 2023-04-26
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Chris Ingalls, Facing demotion, Washington State Patrol trooper resigns after citing innocent truck driver, KING, 2024-04-02
- ↑ 'False narrative': Trooper violates WSP ethics, conduct code by citing innocent truck driver, KING, 2024-04-02
- ↑ WSP sergeant reassigned after citing innocent driver in crash involving fellow trooper, KING, 2023-05-24
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