Snohomish County deputy charged in crash that led to man's legs being amputated

EVERETT – A Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy was charged with felony vehicular assault after a crash that led to a pedestrian’s legs being amputated.

Snohomish County prosecutors allege that deputy John Sadro was driving at nearly twice the speed limit when he blew through a stop sign, hit an SUV and ricocheted off into a pickup on April 17, 2015.

A contractor who was getting tools from the truck was pinned between it and the patrol car, causing injuries so severe that his legs had to be amputated.

A Washington State Patrol investigation found that Sadro had been driving 49 mph in the 25 mph zone for at least 19.8 seconds before the crash, and that he was travelling 46-47 mph at impact.

Snohomish County paid to remodel the man’s home and bought him a van that can accommodate his wheelchair.

Sadro, 55, has been with the sheriff’s office for 10 years. He was placed on administrative leave after the crash, and returned to patrol a month later.

After the charges were announced, he was placed on modified desk duty.