A suspect has been apprehended following a dramatic incident on Christmas Day, where he allegedly dragged a trooper out of her patrol vehicle and made off with it on a busy Seattle interstate, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Authorities informed Fox News Digital that officers were initially on the lookout for the suspect after receiving alerts of a man erratically running across the lanes of Interstate 5.

The WSP spokesperson detailed that a lieutenant encountered the man in an effort to mitigate the danger. It was at this point, officials claim, that the suspect commandeered the patrol car, setting off a chase.

Footage captured by TMZ depicts the suspect approaching the marked patrol car, forcibly removing the WSP lieutenant from the driver’s seat, and then accelerating away in the vehicle.

The suspect, identified as Alexander Eugene Smith, was seen nearing the patrol car on Interstate 5 just before the reported theft, as verified by authorities. (TMZ)

WSP said the theft sparked a pursuit involving multiple agencies, including the Seattle Police Department. Authorities said the suspect drove north before looping back southbound, where troopers struck the stolen patrol vehicle to bring it to a stop in Lynnwood.

Police said the suspect resisted arrest, and they had to use a Taser on him before he was taken into custody. He was later identified as Alexander Eugene Smith.

According to King County jail records, Smith was booked on suspicion of felony eluding, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer and DUI.

Video shows a suspect walking across lanes of Interstate 5 near Northgate Way on Christmas Day, according to the Washington State Patrol. (TMZ)

Investigators said they obtained a warrant for a blood draw and believe Smith was impaired, though toxicology results are pending.

WSP said incidents like this often involve people in distress and emphasized that troopers’ priority is public safety.

The suspect, Alexander Eugene Smith, is seen walking into traffic on Interstate 5 during the Christmas Day incident, according to Washington State Patrol. (TMZ)

Authorities said the lieutenant suffered minor injuries and no members of the public were seriously hurt, though several vehicles were damaged during efforts to stop the cruiser.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.