The driver of an RV was arrested Monday afternoon after eluding police – in reverse – down a steeply sloped arterial and seriously injuring an elderly pedestrian.
Just after 2:30 p.m., an officer near Delridge Way Southwest and Southwest Andover Street attempted to pull over the driver of an RV after he failed to properly stop at a red light several blocks away. The driver appeared about to stop at 22nd Avenue Southwest and Southwest Andover Street, and the officer prepared to contact the driver. However, the RV suddenly began travelling westbound in reverse, down the steep slope of Southwest Andover Street. The RV driver avoided colliding with the patrol car but struck an SUV that was travelling eastbound up the hill. The 44-year-old female driver of the SUV was later treated at the scene by Seattle Fire Department but did not require transport to the hospital.
After striking the SUV, the RV continued down Southwest Andover Street in reverse, crossing the intersection with Delridge Way Southwest. The RV driver sideswiped a large, tanker-style truck that was waiting at the light, then struck a 79-year-old male pedestrian. Upon arrival, police began treating the victim, who was later transported to the hospital in serious condition by SFD medics.
The RV came to rest just west of Delridge Way Southwest and Southwest Andover Street after crashing into the side of a building. The suspect driver fled the scene on foot, but was quickly apprehended by officers nearby.
After the 47-year-old man was arrested, police discovered he had a felony warrant for theft of a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment and domestic violence-related assault. Officers also found what appeared to be narcotics on his person, and he was investigated for driving while under the influence of intoxicants. The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for vehicular assault, hit and run, eluding, illegal possession of narcotics, and his warrants.
