THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol is conducting a focused enforcement operation targeting aggressive motorists and semi trucks in poor condition, using aviation, motorcycles and commercial vehicle inspectors.

The targeted patrol began Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and runs through Thursday, February 19, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Thurston County.

The emphasis patrol combines efforts from WSP District 1, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau, WSP Motors and the WSP Aviation Section. Troopers are using aircraft to spot violations from above, along with motorcycle units and commercial vehicle inspectors on the ground.

According to WSP, the focus is twofold: drivers making aggressive or unsafe maneuvers around semi trucks, and commercial trucks that are not meeting inspection and safety standards.

“All these improper maneuvers that people are doing that are causing our semis to crash, and semi truck drivers themselves that are not taking accountability before going out on the roadway,” said Trooper Kameron Watts. “Making sure these vehicles are properly inspected before they hit the roadway will solve a lot of these issues.”

Watts added, “It’s a team effort, and we’re seeing good results for us so far. A lot of these truck drivers are educated, and they know what to do, but there are a few that mess it up for everyone.”

The enforcement push comes as a semi truck driver faces charges in connection with a six-vehicle pileup in Thurston County in December.

According to Washington State Patrol, Juan Hernandez-Santos, 40, of Mexico, did not have a valid commercial driver’s license at the time of the crash. Records show he had been cited for driving without a CDL just one month before the collision and was warned not to operate commercial vehicles again.

A trooper’s report stated that when asked about not having a CDL for over two years, the driver “did not seem to care” and even asked if he could continue driving to his yard during the inspection.

Inspectors also found the electronic logbook in his truck was broken. He was escorted off the freeway and instructed not to operate the vehicle until he obtained a valid CDL.

WSP says the blitz is aimed at preventing crashes involving commercial vehicles by holding both aggressive drivers and noncompliant truck operators accountable.

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