Salas, Sergeant Ken B.

Sergeant Kenneth Salas was struck and killed by a motorcycle on August 9, 2025, while assisting with the removal of a large hay bale from the roadway on eastbound Interstate 90 near the Four Lakes exit outside of Spokane, Washington. He later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

On the morning of the incident, Sergeant Salas was responding to a roadside hazard after a hay bale fell off a trailer into the travel lane. With his patrol vehicle parked and emergency lights activated, he and the trailer truck driver attempted to remove the obstruction from the interstate. As they worked, a motorcyclist approaching the scene struck Sergeant Salas, causing significant life-threatening injuries. Salas was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.  The motorcycle rider was also transported to the hospital and treated for serious but non-fatal injuries. The crash was investigated by the Washington State Patrol and is pending an outcome.

Sergeant Salas dedicated more than 34 years to public service with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, beginning his law enforcement career as a corrections officer before serving as a patrol deputy, school resource deputy, traffic unit member, and Emergency Operations Team member. He was promoted to detective/corporal in 2004 and to sergeant in 2009. He was preparing to retire in the month following his death, marking the close of a distinguished career devoted to service.  In addition to his local service, Salas honorably served his country for over 20 years in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, retiring as a technical sergeant. Throughout his extensive career, he was respected by colleagues and residents alike for his professionalism, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to community safety.

Outside of law enforcement, Ken was known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and kindness to all who knew him. He was a passionate fisherman, a motorcycle enthusiast, and a lifelong fan of rock music. Friends and neighbors remembered him as even-tempered and always willing to lend a hand – qualities that defined him both on and off duty.

Sergeant Salas is survived by his wife, brothers, two nieces, and four adult step-children, along with a close community of friends and colleagues.