One man sustained life-threatening injuries after a hit and run driver collided into a tree early this afternoon. At approximately 1:52 p.m. today a male suspect was driving a white 1993 Chevy Blazer southbound on Rainier Avenue South. As he passed South Henderson Street the suspect sideswiped a northbound-traveling Nissan. After striking the Nissan the suspect continued southbound on Rainier Avenue South, lost control of his vehicle and collided into a tree.
The suspect/driver and front seat passenger of the Blazer had to be extricated from the vehicle by the fire department. Both men were transported to Harborview Medical Center; the front seat passenger sustained life-threatening injuries; the suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The adult female driver and sole occupant of the Nissan was not injured.
Officers evaluated the suspect for signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. Indications of impairment were detected and a blood draw was performed. The results of the blood draw are pending laboratory analysis.
There were no citations issued at the scene, which is standard procedure in serious traffic collisions requiring extensive follow up investigation and collision reconstruction.
Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate.