A man stole a car in South Seattle and then collided into a vehicle occupied by a family of four.
Today, just shortly after 6:00 p.m., a car owner was warming up his vehicle near Rainier Avenue South and South Othello Street when an unknown man jumped inside the car.
The car’s owner left a gun inside, and when he went to confront the suspect, the suspect showed the owner he had already taken the gun and not to bother him.
The suspect drove north on Rainier with the owner chasing after him in another car. A patrol officer saw the vehicle traveling northbound on Rainier Av S near S. McClellan St. The officer began following the vehicle.
The suspect turned right on S. Grand Street and drove thru the intersection at 23rd and S. Grand, colliding into a vehicle that was travelling Southbound. The second car was occupied by a man and three children.
The father was trapped inside the car and had to be extricated. A 7-year-old boy was thrown from the car. A 5-year-old and a teen girl inside the car, were transported to Harborview Medical Center with serious injuries.
The 25-year-old suspect was also hurt and was transported to Harborview Medical Center. He had minor injuries. A Drug Recognition Officer responded to HMC to screen the 25-year-old suspect for drugs and or alcohol impairment. Upon release from the hospital, he will be booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Auto Theft and Investigation of Vehicular Assault. He could face additional charges.
Officers found marijuana, cough medicine and other medication on the suspect.
Traffic Collision Investigators responded and processed the scene. The investigation continues.