An investigation is underway after a King County Sheriff’s Office employee struck and killed a pedestrian early Tuesday morning near Monroe, according to the Monroe Police Department.
Monroe officers responded to the scene just after 6:30 a.m., where a 26-year-old woman had been struck by an unmarked King County Sheriff’s Office vehicle in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 2 near the 18800 block. The woman was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Police said preliminary findings suggest the woman was struck in an uncontrolled section of the highway, an area without traffic signals or designated crossing infrastructure.
The driver, a King County Sheriff’s employee, is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities have not released whether the employee was on duty or traveling for work-related purposes at the time of the collision.
The vehicle involved has been taken to the Monroe Police Department for further examination, including analysis of any onboard camera systems, mechanical condition, and other evidence.
The incident led to the closure of the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 2 for approximately three hours, with traffic rerouted via Blueberry Lane Southeast during the investigation and scene processing.
The Monroe Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Washington State Patrol. This arrangement follows standard protocol when law enforcement personnel are involved in serious traffic incidents, ensuring independent oversight of the investigation.
The early morning timing, just after 6:30 a.m., means the collision occurred during dawn hours when visibility can be challenging. December mornings in western Washington feature limited daylight, potentially contributing to the circumstances.
Uncontrolled highway sections present particular pedestrian risks. These areas lack crosswalks, signals, or other safety infrastructure designed to protect people on foot. Highways are designed primarily for vehicle traffic at higher speeds.
The unmarked vehicle designation indicates the Sheriff’s Office employee was not driving a traditional patrol car with emergency lights and distinctive markings. Unmarked vehicles are used by detectives, administrative staff, and specialty units.
The cooperation of the driver with investigators is standard procedure but noteworthy given the involvement of law enforcement personnel. Independent investigations help maintain public trust when incidents involve government employees.
The three-hour road closure reflects the time required for collision investigation and reconstruction. Investigators measure skid marks, document debris fields, photograph the scene, and collect evidence before reopening roadways.
Traffic rerouting via Blueberry Lane Southeast diverted drivers around the closed section. Such detours create inconvenience but allow thorough investigation without rushing to reopen highways prematurely.
Washington State Patrol assistance brings specialized expertise in traffic collision investigation. The agency maintains collision reconstruction units trained in analyzing vehicle dynamics, sight distances, and contributing factors.
The woman’s identity has not been released pending family notification. Medical examiners typically require positive identification and contact with next of kin before publicly releasing names of deceased individuals.
Questions remain about why the woman was on the highway on foot. Pedestrians may be walking along highways due to vehicle breakdowns, confusion, mental health crises, or other circumstances that place them in dangerous situations.
The investigation will examine multiple factors including vehicle speed, driver attention, pedestrian visibility, road conditions, lighting, and any potential impairment of either party.
King County Sheriff’s Office policies regarding employee driving, including training requirements, vehicle maintenance standards, and incident reporting procedures, may come under scrutiny depending on investigation findings.
The outcome could result in criminal charges, civil liability, or administrative consequences for the involved employee. However, investigations must be completed before any determinations about responsibility or fault.
