EVERETT — In an effort to curb drunk driving, law enforcement officers across multiple states will join troopers from the Washington State Patrol in an emphasis patrol to honor fallen WSP trooper Christopher Gadd.

Around 3 a.m. March 2, 2024 , Gadd, 27, parked on the southbound shoulder of I-5 near Marysville while on patrol. Raul Benitez Santana, 34, returning from a bar in Mount Vernon, merged his black SUV into the shoulder, slamming into Gadd’s patrol vehicle. The impact killed Gadd nearly instantly.

Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Karen Moore sentenced Benitez Santana to 125 months for vehicular homicide and 14 months for vehicular assault. Upon release, he will serve 18 months of community custody.

“He was on his way to a detachment break, but instead of actually going to

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