Six Troopers Injured In State Capital Demonstrations

WSP News Release-Reports compiled overnight reveal that a total of six Washington State Troopers received injuries during last night’s demonstrations at the State Capitol. An initial injury was reported early in the evening, but commanders learned of an additional five injuries as troopers ended their shifts and went off duty.

Of the six total, two were bite injuries. The other four were mostly bumps and bruises. Additionally, a state worker caught in a violent push by protestors received bruised ribs and minor facial injuries.

Total costs to date are estimated at $96,000, including straight time, overtime and travel costs.

• $76,000 in straight time for troopers who would have been working anyway.

• $12,000 in overtime.

• $8,200 in travel costs for troopers from outside the Olympia area.

Incident Commander Lt. Mark Arras says it’s important that the $76,000 in straight time not be written off lightly.

“The day to day work of troopers is important, or we wouldn’t have them doing it,” Arras said. “If your car broke down yesterday and you sat beside the freeway for an extended period, that soft cost suddenly has a very real impact.”

Estimated costs are conservative, and based on troopers schedules. Final costs will not be known until troopers turn in their actual timesheets. It’s expected both the straight time and overtime figures will grow.

Four people were arrested on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to felony assault. An additional 30 people who had to be removed from the Capitol Building received trespass warnings. Such warnings do not amount to a criminal charge, but those warned face immediate arrest if they return to any part of the Capitol Campus in the next 30 days.