Off-Duty Seattle Police Officer Killed While Helping I-5 Accident

An officer with the Seattle Police Department was struck and killed on Sunday, June 14, reports KIRO7.

Officer Lexi Harris was off-duty when she stopped to assist in a car accident on I-5. Just moments after being struck, KIRO7 reports that her vehicle was stolen.

According to the Seattle Times, Harris had just finished a shift when she attempted to assist in a three-car collision just south of downtown Seattle. As soon as she was out of the vehicle, another driver struck and killed her.

Assistant Chief Tom Mahaffey said the officer's family and the entire police department are devastated by the loss.

38-year-old Alexandra Brenneman Harris, who went by Lexi, had served with SPD for five years.

The Washington State Patrol announced that they had started "investigating the circumstances that led up to this incident."

WSP Capt. Ron Mead said they are looking for the individual involved in the collision who then proceeded to steal Harris' private vehicle.

The vehicle was found abandoned on Sunday morning and is being held for evidence.

“Our heart goes out today to the family & friends of the officer tragically killed while trying to help others following a collision,” Mayor Jenny Durkan wrote on Twitter. “The officer’s service to our community went beyond their shift & we can never repay this officer for putting the life of others ahead of their own.”