On April 18th at approximately 12:55 p.m. officers responded to a vehicle/pedestrian collision in the 1200 block of 4th Avenue South. Preliminary investigation indicates that an 18-year old female pedestrian attempted to cross the 1200 block of 4th Avenue South, from west to east, immediately under the Edgar Martinez Drive South overpass. She was struck by a southbound Subaru station wagon traveling in the right lane of 4th Avenue South.
From the perspective of the driver, a man in his 60’s, the pedestrian suddenly emerged from behind a large-diameter concrete column supporting the overpass and entered the roadway from the west. Once he saw the pedestrian he was unable to stop his vehicle in time to prevent striking her.
SFD medics responded to the scene and transported the female pedestrian to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Officers evaluated the driver of the Subaru for signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. No impairment was detected.
The investigation thus far indicates that the driver was not exceeding the posted speed limit.
Witnesses reported that the female pedestrian had a cell phone to her ear as she entered the roadway. This is consistent with additional evidence gathered at the scene.
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.