August 9, 2025
This morning at 0749, a pickup and trailer combination was traveling eastbound on I90, approximately 10 miles west of Spokane, when a large hay bale fell off the trailer blocking lane 2 of I90. A Spokane County Sheriff Office (SCSO) Sergeant Kenneth Salas stopped at the scene and blocked lane 2 with his patrol car and emergency lights activated. Sergeant Salas was assisting the pickup driver clear the roadway of hay debris when a motorcyclist approaching the scene failed to slow in time. The motorcyclist went around the sergeant’s patrol car on the left, struck the left front of the patrol car and then struck Sergeant Salas. Sergeant Salas was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart where he tragically passed away a short time later. Washington
State Patrol (WSP) will be the primary investigating agency for the collision.
“This morning, I was made aware of the tragic news coming out of Spokane,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “Our state has lost yet another hero in service to public safety. Speaking for the 2,500 men and women who make up the Washington State Patrol, I want to offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues of the fallen Spokane County Sherriff’s Office Sergeant Salas who gave his life while working to make our roadways safe for all travelers. Our agency is leading the collision investigation and will of course offer Sherriff Nowels whatever support he and his team need in this time of grief.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sergeant Salas’ family and all the members of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
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