Trooper uses Taser to subdue pedestrian darting into freeway traffic

A Washington State Patrol trooper used an electronic Taser weapon to subdue a pedestrian who was darting in and out of traffic on Interstate 5 early Sunday morning.

The incident began at about 1:30 a.m. when dispatchers received numerous reports of a person, wearing all dark clothing, in the northbound lanes on the Interstate 5 Bridge.

According to a state patrol news release, a trooper contacted the person, later identified as 24-year-old Michael Kaleta of Vancouver, near Mill Plain Boulevard.

Kaleta allegedly jumped over the barrier and refused the trooper’s order to stop, the release said. The trooper attempted to stun the man with his Taser, but it was ineffective. Kaleta ran across the freeway and came close to being hit by passing vehicles. The trooper attempted to use his Taser a second time, and again it was ineffective.

Another trooper arrived at the scene and spotted Kaleta walking in the freeway’s median, the release said. He allegedly jumped over the barrier and refused to obey the trooper’s command to halt. The second trooper successfully used his Taser to stun Kaleta, causing him to fall to the ground on the freeway’s shoulder away from traffic.

Troopers were able to overcome Kaleta’s resistance and place him in handcuffs without further incident, the release said.

Kaleta was transported to Southwest Washington Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries. He was then taken to the Clark County Jail on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order and resisting arrest.