Kevin Bereta, officer who fell from I-5 on-ramp, leaves hospital
Officer Kevin Bereta, 39, was serving during a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris on August 15 when he was thrown from his motorcycle.
SEATTLE — The Bellevue police officer who fell 50 feet off an overpass during a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris was released from the hospital Friday.
Officer Kevin Bereta, 39, was serving during Harris’ visit on August 15 when he was thrown from his motorcycle while riding on an Interstate 5 overpass in Seattle. Bereta fell from the ramp into the southbound lanes of I-5.
Bereta spent more than three weeks in intensive care at Harborview Medical Center and underwent five surgeries. Bellevue Police Department Capt. Landon Barnwell said it could be months before Bereta is found.
Police officers and firefighters from various agencies gathered outside the hospital to celebrate Bereta’s release.
“Kevin is the most determined amazing person I have ever met. The support, especially from not only our department but from all the surrounding departments has been amazing. We love it all guys,” said Bereta’s wife, Jenny. “This is unbelievable. It’s been an emotional day for Kevin and I, just ready to get out of here and go home.”
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Barnwell said the exact circumstances that caused the incident will not be available until the Washington State Patrol completes its investigation.
Barnwell said several motorists traveling on I-5 stopped to help.
Bereta, who is married and has three young children, joined the force in 2018. Bereta transferred to the Traffic Division as a motor officer in 2020, according to Barnwell.
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