A lawsuit between the father of a Washington State Patrol trooper killed on duty and the county accused of gross negligence that led to his death reached a settlement Tuesday.
The agreement came following a jury selection for trial, but prior to opening arguments.
Trooper Justin Schaffer was killed on March 24, 2020, when he was struck by the vehicle of a fleeing robbery suspect while laying down spike strips on Interstate 5.
Schaffer was 28.
The suspect, William Thompson, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for murder and attempted murder in 2022.
John E. Justice, lead attorney representing the defendant Thurston County, confirmed on Thursday that the personal injury matter had been “resolved,” but declined further comment until the signing of “final paperwork.”
Multiple attorneys for the plaintiff Glenn Schaffer did not respond to a request for comment. Schaffer is represented by Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, PLLC.
Schaffer is the personal representative of Justin Schaffer’s estate.
The case was filed in Lewis County Superior Court on July 3, 2024, following a venue change from King County Superior Court.
“Defendants' negligent, reckless, careless and indifferent conduct in continuing to engage in a high-speed pursuit and in failing to monitor, treat, medicate and detain a dangerous, mentally ill criminal defendant proximately caused permanent emotional distress and damages to Chief Schaffer in an amount to be proven at the time of trial,” attorneys said in the complaint.
Glenn Schaffer was chief of the Chehalis Police Department when the fatal incident occurred. He responded to the scene.
“What Chief Schaffer saw upon arrival was unimaginable and continues to haunt and consume his thoughts nearly three years later,” the 2024 complaint said.
According to court documents, the lawsuit, initially filed in King County Superior Court in June 2023, sought action against Thurston County and additional defendants, including the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services, Highline West Seattle Mental Health Center, Behavioral Health Resources, Olympic Health and Recovery Services and Healthcare Delivery Inc.
Those additional defendants were ultimately dismissed from the case, according to previous Chronicle reporting.
The Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement have continued to honor Trooper Schaffer’s legacy with a procession held on the anniversary of his death.
The procession travels along the Schaffer Memorial Highway, a 6-mile stretch on state Route 6.
Schaffer was a graduate of Adna High School and Centralia College. He served over six years with the State Patrol.
From the Washington State Patrol Foundation: “Justin R. Schaffer was born on January 30, 1992, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Glenn and Sheila Schaffer. In 2006, Schaffer and his family moved to Chehalis. He graduated from Adna High School in 2010 and went on to earn his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Centralia College in 2012. Schaffer met his wife, Sandra, when the two worked together at Grocery Outlet in Chehalis. They began dating in January 2012 and married in August 2013. Schaffer was hired by Washington State Patrol in November 2013 as a Trooper Cadet assigned to the Property Management Division. On Jan. 13, 2014, Trooper Cadet Schaffer started his training with the 27th Arming Class. On Feb. 14, 2014, Trooper Schaffer continued his training with the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on Sept. 16, 2014, assigned to Morton. On Sept. 1, 2016, Trooper Schaffer was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert. On Nov. 10, 2018, Trooper Schaffer completed K9 training and was a certified K9 handler to his partner ‘Frankie.’ Trooper Schaffer transferred to Chehalis on Dec. 13, 2018."
