Update: Driver sought in hit-run motorcycle crash on West Marginal Way S.

(WSB photo, added 9:45 pm)
9:15 PM: One person has been taken to the hospital after a motorcycle crash at West Marginal Way South/South Holden, by the entrance to northbound Highway 99 (north of the South Transfer Station; map), commonly used if you head down the Highland Park Way hill toward 99. It appeared on the 911 log as a medic response about an hour ago but wasn’t on our radar until Megan tipped us that it was snarling traffic; police have since reopened most of the road, but if you’re heading that way and can wait a bit, that might be a good idea. Police tell us at the scene they’re still trying to find out what happened; no word on the rider’s condition.

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: Police say the rider does not have life-threatening injuries. But they are trying to find the reported hit-run driver who caused the crash. Just added to SPD Blotter:

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) detectives are seeking the public’s assistance for a hit and run collision that occurred last night on West Marginal Way South. The collision left a motorcyclist with a broken leg.

At about 8:15 last night, a 26-year-old man on his motorcycle was stopped facing southbound at a red light on West Marginal Way South, waiting to turn onto South Holden Street. Without warning, a vehicle traveling north on W. Marginal Way S. struck the motorcyclist, causing the motorcycle to fall over onto the man, breaking his leg. The vehicle continued to drive north on W. Marginal Way S. without stopping to provide information or render aid.

Seattle Fire responded and treated the motorcyclist. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center. His injury is not considered life-threatening.

The only description detectives have right now of the vehicle is a darker grey (charcoal) vehicle missing its driver’s door side mirror. Anyone with information on this hit and run collision investigation is asked to contact TCIS Detective Schmidt at (206) 684-8935.

8 Replies to "Update: Driver sought in hit-run motorcycle crash on West Marginal Way S."

  • Alki Resident November 16, 2013 (10:27 pm)

    All lanes going south are fine with one lane going north is open. Cant see how bad bike is,looks like a Harley. I hope the rider will be ok. this always makes me think twice when we ride.

  • newnative November 16, 2013 (11:04 pm)

    King5 reports it as a hit and run.

    • WSB November 16, 2013 (11:08 pm)

      I can’t confirm that; their photographer was there at the same time we were, and we asked police whether someone hit the rider or if they took a spill, and they said only that they were still investigating to find out what happened. If it is, I hope SPD will publish an update online so that people can be on the lookout. – TR

  • Howdy November 17, 2013 (7:06 am)

    It looks like the rider was in the left turn lane onto Holden or that’s where the bike landed. I hope the rider is ok. I’m not sure what make the bike is but it’s not a Harley.

    • WSB November 17, 2013 (9:36 am)

      Police have now confirmed they’re looking for a hit-run driver and have published a bit of descriptive information. Added to the story. – TR

  • Shannon November 17, 2013 (10:47 am)

    I hope they catch the driver. Even if he was drunk or panicked or something I can’t imagine hitting someone and then just leaving them in the road in pain. Glad the rider will be ok, hope his leg heals up quickly!

  • Tony November 19, 2013 (12:56 am)

    I pulled up to the intersection probably seconds after this happened, but too late to see it happen. It was clearly a hit & run, and the bike falling over didnt break his leg. The car hit him with enough force to leave much of his heavy leather boor scattered up the roadway, along with the pieces of the cars mirror. That poor guy was clearly sober, and in horrible pain with a mangled leg. I only wish Id have seen it happen. Having been nailed in a bicycle by a hit & run driver, I would have delighted in chasing the ass down for license plate #. Many thanks to the Medics, SFD & SPD folks for their PRONTO response, and for making sure the pieces of the cars mirror were preserved. Awfully little to go on, but glad to know they’re looking. Wishing the rider a swift recovery, though that’s unlikely.
    Thanks as well to everyone else who stopped.

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