TACOMA, Wash. — Authorities are searching for a pickup truck involved in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, a 29-year-old officer and Mililani High School graduate from Hawaii.
Deadly Crash on State Route 509
According to the Tacoma Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Friday night on State Route 509 as Trooper Guting was assisting with a separate crash.
Investigators say she was standing outside her patrol car when she was struck by one vehicle, which caused her to be thrown into the right travel lane—where she was then hit by a second vehicle that fled the scene. Trooper Guting suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital.
First Driver Cooperated; Second Vehicle Sought
Police confirmed that the first driver stopped and cooperated with authorities, but the second vehicle continued southbound on SR-509 without stopping.
The vehicle of interest is described as a dark-colored, four-door pickup truck, possibly a black Chevrolet Avalanche or Cadillac Escalade EXT-style model. The truck is believed to have tinted windows, chrome door handles, and chrome running boards. No license plate information has been released at this time.
Emotional Police Escort and Ongoing Search
Following her death, a massive police escort accompanied Trooper Guting’s body from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office, where she remains under continuous watch as her family travels from Hawaii.
The tragedy has shaken both the Washington State Patrol and the Hawaii law enforcement community, who described Guting as a dedicated officer and compassionate public servant.
Public Asked to Help Identify Vehicle
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the crash, saw the suspect vehicle, or has dashcam footage from southbound SR-509 near Port of Tacoma Road between 7:20 and 7:30 p.m. to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Information leading to an arrest and charges may qualify for a $1,000 reward.
Remembering Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting
Trooper Guting, who grew up in Mililani, Hawaii, joined the Washington State Patrol to serve and protect her community. Her colleagues remember her for her professionalism, kindness, and unwavering dedication to duty. As the search continues for the driver responsible, law enforcement and community members are honoring her legacy and calling for justice. Stay with HonkNews.com for updates on this developing story.