Pair in crosswalk hit by trooper's vehicle fined for jaywalking

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — After a months-long investigation, the Washington State Patrol says a trooper who hit two pedestrians with his patrol car in Bellingham last December won't face any consequences for it.

But the people who got hit have each been given $112 tickets for jaywalking.

The Bellingham Herald reports that 31-year-old Aaron Connors-Driftmier and 21-year-old Lauren Keenan were in a crosswalk but crossing against the light when Trooper Brian Thompson tried to make a left turn on a green arrow as he chased a car that had been speeding.

Connors-Driftmier landed on the hood of the car. He suffered injuries to his leg and neck. Keenan sustained a wound to her head.

The pair admitted they crossed illegally. It was a rainy night and they were wearing dark clothing, but they said the trooper should have seen them anyway.

Washington State Patrol spokesman Mark Francis said he doesn't think any driver would be cited in those circumstances.