TACOMA, WA — A Pierce County Sheriff’s Office major has been formally charged in connection with an off-duty collision that injured multiple people earlier this summer.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Major Chad Dickerson was charged on October 22 with two counts of vehicular assault following a Washington State Patrol investigation into a crash that occurred on July 12, 2025.

The collision happened around 3:46 p.m. when Dickerson, who was off duty at the time, was involved in a two-vehicle crash that caused injuries to himself and the occupants of the other vehicle, which included a family with children.

In a statement released days after the incident, Sheriff Keith Swank said that deputies initially responded to the scene but immediately turned the investigation over to the Washington State Patrol upon learning that one of their own personnel was involved. Dickerson was arrested that weekend and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts are with the victims and their families during this painful and uncertain time,” Sheriff Swank said in the July statement. He added that the department remains committed to transparency and due process.

In the most recent update, Sheriff Swank said the Sheriff’s Office will conduct an administrative investigation in accordance with agency policies to determine any internal disciplinary action once the legal process concludes.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.