Investigators believe a man who fatally struck a Washington State Patrol trooper with his vehicle earlier this week near Chehalis did so intentionally.

William D. Thompson, 29, of Olympia, is being held at the Lewis County Jail on a $5 million bond, troopers reported this week. He is accused of hitting trooper Justin Schaffer, 28, with his vehicle Tuesday while attempting to flee from authorities.

Authorities began pursuing Thompson Tuesday afternoon for his suspected involvement in an unrelated shoplifting and assault incident the day prior, troopers said. Thompson fled, leading authorities on a high-speed chase.

Schaffer was one of several troopers called in to help capture Thompson. Schaffer was attempting to deploy spike strips to deflate Thompson’s tires when Thompson deliberately swerved into the trooper, Washington State Patrol officials said later in the week.

Authorities said Thompson then attempted to strike a second trooper, who was hit by debris after Thompson crashed into a squad vehicle. He later crashed int a guard rail and traffic light, and was arrested after a lengthy standoff, troopers said.

Troopers said they are referring charges of assault, hit and run resulting in a death and felony eluding against Thompson to prosecutors. Authorities previously announced a charge of vehicular homicide.

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