Former Redmond police chief, 16-year-old boy killed in car crash

REDMOND -- A head-on accident on the Eastside claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy – and Steven Harris, the former Redmond police chief.

Harris’ death sent shock waves through the law enforcement community.

Harris retired back in 2009 but he worked as Redmond’s police chief for nearly three decades. The news of his death has been hard for anyone working behind a badge.

“It’s a shock right now,” said current Police Chief Ron Gibson. “We’re trying to deal with that.”

Prayers and well wishes poured into the Redmond Police Department after Harris was killed.

The crash happened late Sunday night along State Route 202 near 244th Avenue when Harris’ Ford Explorer collided head-on with a Dodge Dakota driven by a 16-year-old boy.

The driver of a third vehicle was also injured. Both the teen and Harris died at the scene. Harris’ wife was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.

King County prosecutor Dan Satterberg to tweet his condolences, saying, “He was smart, innovative and professional. You will be missed.”

They were familiar sentiments shared by officers dealing with the loss of one of their own.

The crash closed SR 202 for hours.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.