A Spokane County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was killed early Saturday morning while attempting to remove a traffic hazard on an interstate outside Spokane, Washington.
According to Komo News, Sergeant Kenneth Salas, 59, died on the morning of August 9, 2025, after being struck by a motorcyclist who crashed into his patrol vehicle while he was clearing a hay bale from the road on eastbound Interstate 90.
The incident happened at approximately 7:40 a.m. near the Four Lakes exit on eastbound I-90. A large, round hay bale had fallen from a passing vehicle near milepost 270 and had come to rest in the left lane of the interstate. Salas responded to the scene to mitigate the traffic hazard and prevent additional collisions.
With the emergency lights flashing and the directional bar activated on his patrol car, Salas stopped his vehicle to block the lane and began to manually remove the hay obstruction from the roadway. Traffic was still active at the time as he worked quickly to clear the path for drivers.
Motorcyclist Crashes into Patrol Car
As Salas was tending to the hazard, a motorcyclist approached the scene and, for reasons under investigation, did not slow down or change lanes. The rider collided first with the rear of Salas’ patrol car before being thrown into the sergeant himself. Salas was critically injured and died at the scene as a result of the impact. The unidentified motorcyclist survived the crash but sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their current condition has not been made public, and no further details about their identity or potential charges have been released.
The Washington State Patrol is leading the investigation into the collision. Officials are expected to release more information once the initial findings are complete and contributors to the crash have been fully evaluated.
Longstanding Law Enforcement Career Remembered
Sergeant Kenneth Salas leaves behind a legacy of more than three decades in the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. His law enforcement career began as a corrections officer before transitioning to patrol duty, and eventually into supervisory and specialized roles. Over the course of his career, Salas earned a reputation for professionalism and leadership.
Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, Salas served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years, demonstrating a lifetime commitment to public service. During his tenure at the sheriff’s office, he held positions on the Traffic Unit, the Emergency Operations Team, and as a School Resource Deputy, among others.
In 2004, Salas was promoted to Detective/Corporal, and five years later, he advanced to the role of sergeant. In his final assignment, he served as the Downtown Dayshift Patrol Sergeant Supervisor, overseeing operations and mentoring younger deputies.
Law Enforcement Community Mourns Loss
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office issued a public statement acknowledging the loss of one of its most experienced personnel, calling Sergeant Salas “a valued and cherished member of our law enforcement family.” The agency extended condolences to his surviving wife and extended relatives and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.
No immediate details have been announced regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services, but agencies from across the region are expected to participate in honoring Salas' contributions. Community members have also begun to share tributes through local social media and news platforms. The loss of Sergeant Salas is not only a blow to local law enforcement but also a reminder of the risks that officers face each day, particularly when performing seemingly routine duties. Responding to roadway hazards, even with warning lights in place, can still pose grave dangers in the presence of inattentive or impaired motorists.
Safety Protocols and Future Precautions
This incident has raised questions about roadway safety protocols and driver awareness around emergency vehicles. While lights, sirens, and flashing directional signals are often used to alert oncoming traffic, crashes involving first responders remain a troubling concern nationwide.
Officials have yet to determine whether impairment, distraction, or other factors contributed to the motorcyclist’s failure to avoid the crash. Authorities are urging all drivers to remain vigilant and observant, especially when encountering emergency scenes on highways.
As the investigation continues, the law enforcement community and the public await further answers about how this tragedy unfolded and what steps can be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. For now, the region is focused on mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant whose sudden death has left a substantial impact on the community he served for decades.
