Trooper wanted number, gets leave

A Washington State Patrol trooper who asked for a woman’s phone number for his personal use was put on paid leave last month, WSP officials said Tuesday.

Al Larned, a 17-year veteran of the agency, has been on leave since Sept. 15, said Capt. Jeff DeVere of the patrol’s office of Government and Media Relations in Olympia.

Larned is the second trooper from the Spokane County area whom WSP officials recently have announced is under investigation.

Last week, the Spokane County prosecutor’s office charged Trooper Mark Haas with felony unlawful imprisonment and official misconduct for his actions involving two women during a traffic stop.

Haas is accused of making comments that led the women to believe they needed to expose themselves, according to court documents. No citations were issued during the Aug. 18 stop.

Larned, 45, reportedly asked a woman for her phone number on Sept. 14 so he could ask her out later, DeVere said. The trooper was placed on paid leave the next day.

The prosecutor’s office has declined to file criminal charges, DeVere said. WSP is currently doing an administrative investigation.

“When the facts are revealed we’ll take appropriate action,” DeVere said.