Washington
Washington State Patrol Convenes Traffic Safety Equity Summit in Vancouver – Washington State Patrol
March 14, 2025
Vancouver, WA – On Thursday, March 13th, over 70 individuals gathered at the Washington State Patrol (WSP) District Headquarters in Vancouver to discuss traffic safety issues and how they impact different demographic groups in Washington. WSP Chief John R. Batiste welcomed attendees and shared that fatal collisions in the state are far too high and cut across all racial, regional, gender, and age groups. He told those assembled, “We need your help to understand this growing problem and help us change dangerous driving behaviors that impact us all.”
Over 40 local citizens attended, including several students from local high schools as well as representatives from city and county government, police agencies, tribes, and state agencies. Chief Batiste was especially happy to see the students in attendance and shared a direct message, “We are glad you are here, and we want to be always glad you are here. Far too many young people lose their lives on our highways so the issues we are discussing today – distracted driving, impaired driving, driving too fast, and without a seatbelt – are really all about you, your safety and your futures.”
Issues discussed included road-user rights and responsibilities, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roadway design, and post-crash response services. A few troubling statistics were shared. Fatalities tied to distracted driving were up 36.4% in 2023 and all vehicular fatalities were up by 9% that same year with 810 fatalities on our state’s roadways. An early review of 2024 data shows only slight improvement as the numbers are still higher than in the past, affecting every racial and age demographic, but particularly drivers between the ages of 18 and 25.
Local troopers, along with representatives from WSDOT, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Target Zero, and local city government worked in small groups with members of the public to review the data and discuss ways to change poor driver behavior and improve safety conditions so that the rising numbers can be suppressed. This was a pilot project coordinated by WSP’s Office of Cultural Engagement and will be replicated in each of the agency’s eight districts across Washington.
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Release sent by Chris Loftis, Director of Communications
Washington
Capitals Acquire a Conditional First-Round Pick in Either 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 Third-Round Pick from Anaheim for John Carlson | Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals have acquired a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 NHL Draft or the 2027 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman John Carlson, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today. Should Anaheim qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim will transfer its 2026 first-round pick to Washington. If Anaheim fails to qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim has the option to retain its 2026 first-round pick and transfer its 2027 first-round pick to Washington instead.
“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” said Patrick. “John’s determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history. His contributions to our organization and the Washington, D.C., community both on and off the ice have been immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for everything John has given to our team and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward with Anaheim.”
The Capitals own 22 total picks in the next three drafts, including four first-round selections and nine picks in the first three rounds. Washington also acquired a 2029 second-round pick from the Vegas Golden Knights on March 5.
Carlson, 36, recorded 46 points (10g, 36a) in 55 games with the Capitals this season and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Carlson has played his entire 17-season career with the Capitals and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605) and points (771) among defensemen. The Natick, Massachusetts native helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, and led all defensemen in playoff scoring with 20 points (5g, 15a) in 24 games played. Carlson was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft.
Washington
Police finish DoorDash delivery after arresting driver in New Jersey
WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. — Officers in Washington Township, said they finished a DoorDash food delivery after arresting the driver who had warrants out for his arrest.
Body camera video shows officers stepping in to deliver the food themselves, a move the department in southern New Jersey later shared on its Facebook page.
“I thought something happened. Oh my God, I got so scared,” said the customer when she answered the door.
The DoorDash customer, seen on police body cam video, was instantly relieved and appreciative upon learning why officers were at her door.
“Arrested your driver, but, yeah, we delivered your food,” one of the officers said.
It turns out a Washington Township police officer stopped the DoorDash driver during routine patrols in front of a high school over the weekend.
“He made a stop on it for a violation,” said Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik.
But then, Chief Gurcsik said the officer learned the driver had warrants out for his arrest in another county.
“He made the officers aware that he had two DoorDash meals in the car that he was in the middle of delivering,” Gurcsik said.
The officers went from cuffing the driver to ringing a doorbell to finish his delivery.
“I never heard of anything like that in the South Jersey area. It’s sort of a first for us here in Washington Township, definitely,” Gurcsik said.
Police finish DoorDash delivery after arresting driver in New Jersey
It’s happened in other places, too, including in New Mexico last summer, when a motorcycle cop delivered someone’s Chick-fil-A order after arresting the driver.
“Hello, sir, got your DoorDash. Oh, thank you,” the officer said. “He’s a good kid, give him five stars. He just didn’t take care of a simple insurance ticket.”
And officers over in Arizona made a similar arrest during a traffic stop and were seen on body camera finishing the delivery.
“Your GrubHub, still delivered your pizza,” the officer said.
“We definitely serve the community in more ways than one,” Gurcsik said.
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Washington
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