Washington State Patrol, Washington
End of Watch: Sunday, November 17, 1974
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 826
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: November 17, 1974
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Trooper Thomas Hendrickson was struck and killed by a vehicle while making a traffic stop on SR 20 near Burlington, Washington.
A car coming from the opposite direction crossed the roadway, struck Trooper Hendrickson, and then fled the scene. As other officers investigated the accident, they located a piece of purple debris on the roadway. A car of the same color as the debris with body damage drove by, and one of the officers attempted to stop it. After a short pursuit, the suspect was apprehended.
The 19-year-old subject was convicted of negligent homicide and hit and run.
Trooper Hendrickson had served with the Washington State Patrol for four years and was assigned to the Mount Vernon WSP detachment. He is survived by his wife, two children, and parents.