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WSP carjacking suspect found incompetent to stand trial
The man accused of carjacking a Washington State Patrol vehicle and leading authorities on a chase has been deemed incompetent to stand trial, prosecutors say.
SEATTLE - A man accused of carjacking a Washington State Patrol vehicle from a lieutenant on Interstate 5 has been deemed incompetent to stand trial.
The backstory:
Alexander Smith, 24, was charged with second-degree robbery and attempting to elude police after the Christmas Day incident in Seattle.
Alexander Smith appears in court to face charges in the alleged carjacking of a Washington State Patrol on Dec. 25, 2025. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Prosecutors say Smith pulled a WSP lieutenant from her vehicle near Northgate, stole the patrol car, and led officers on a pursuit that ended in Lynnwood.
Court documents stated Smith appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest, and also admitted to using the drug.
Bodycam video from Washington State Patrol captures Alexander Smith jumping the barricade and running onto I-5 lanes in Seattle. (Washington State Patrol)
What's next:
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said the court has ordered Smith into a first period of competency restoration.
Smith will undergo mental health treatment aimed at restoring his ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in his defense.
The restoration process does not dismiss the criminal case, which is currently paused as Smith undergoes treatment.
Smith is scheduled back in court on April 30 to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and previous FOX 13 Seattle reporting.