Reader report: Hit-run driver kills dog, misses owner

(FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: Lucy’s owner contacted WSB overnight – his story, and photos of her, can be found here)

From a reader, still shaken by what they saw tonight, and anonymous by request:

I was driving northbound on California at about 7:30 PM. At the intersection of California and Dakota, I saw the car (some sort of sedan) in front of me swerve to barely miss a guy who was crossing the street, from the NW corner to the NE corner. Then I saw his medium size white, furry dog fly up in the air as the car hit her. I couldn’t believe it when the car kept going northbound. The guy started screaming, and I chose to stop and try to help him vs. going after the car. As we were calling to find the location of an emergency vet hospital that would be open, the dog, whom I learned was Lucy, died on the sidewalk. The guy lived close by, and his wife and a friend came to help take her home. He was exceptionally upset. Another pedestrian stopped to offer support. A really bad scene.

We asked if the witness had any more detailed description of the car; they did not, nor do they know if the dog’s owner has reported this to police. We have a message out to police to ask about it (and if the driver perhaps turned herself/himself in later) but may not be able to find that out before tomorrow – unless someone who reads this has more information.

13 Replies to "Reader report: Hit-run driver kills dog, misses owner"

  • Curious March 10, 2011 (10:30 pm)

    What a TRAGEDY. My condolences to the family and my hopes that the idiot driver gets caught and charged!

  • Jennifer March 10, 2011 (10:35 pm)

    Oh my goodness this absolutely breaks my heart. Every time I read these kinds of stories I think of my beloved doggies and what if that was me.
    If I was there I would be crying right along side the poor owner.

    A note :
    West Seattle Animal Hospital has 2 emergency animal hospitals, all the info is on magnets (the kind u put on your fridge ) . Anyone can drop by and pick up the info

  • Justin March 10, 2011 (10:36 pm)

    I was the friend at the scene. The info relayed to me by my distraught friend was that the car was something that looked like an old Buick Electra. Possibly some other large 70’s sedan. Not the most common car around. Any info would be helpful if someone sees a car matching the description. Not sure if anyone else got the license. Lucy was an exceptional, easy going golden retriever mix. She was nearly 14 and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

  • SJ2 March 10, 2011 (10:42 pm)

    I am SO sorry. How horrible! I really hope this person decides to come forward and be responsible. Poor Lucy and her owners. :( Thank you for helping the owner.

  • ad March 10, 2011 (10:54 pm)

    I’m speechless. This is so horrendous. The owners hearts must be broken. No words will make it better right now.

    I hope the person who did this turns themself in.

  • Carol March 10, 2011 (10:59 pm)

    So very sorry to read this and my condolences to Lucy’s family; I can only imagine the grief. I hope that your pain will ease as the days go by, and all the special and fun memories of such a wonderful dog fill your hearts.

    To the driver who left the scene: please turn yourself in and show some responsibility and respect.

  • Jennifer March 10, 2011 (11:15 pm)

    @Justin
    This is just so heartbreaking and makes me so angry. I am thankful Lucy’s family had you nearby for help and support. Its something I would hope to have if something that terrible happened to me.
    My heart goes out to you, Lucy, and her parents.

  • Westie March 11, 2011 (12:06 am)

    This is aweful. @ Justin : what color was the car?

  • We Love Lucy March 11, 2011 (12:20 am)

    It was dark, I think blue. Another witness said the car may have been an El Camino.

  • Chuck and Sally\\\'s Van Man March 11, 2011 (12:32 am)

    My heart goes out to Lucy’s owner. I share your rage and hurt. I am just grateful you were not struck as well.

    To the idiot driver: Have the courage and decency to turn yourself in. You are lucky you did not kill the owner and my guess is you would be cited for negligent driving and/or leaving the scene of an accident. Seems like an okay trade-off for being able to sleep at night. Assuming you have any heart at all.

  • lucky chick March 11, 2011 (7:39 am)

    How absolutely horrible!! I hope the lowlife who did this rots in the knowledge that s/he is worst kind of creep. I’m so sorry for your dog, and outraged as well!

    Unfortunately, when I was hit on my bike, the police would not even approach the hit-and-run driver because even though I had the license plate and described the car, they said anyone could have been driving, blah blah. Please, anyone who saw this incident, come forth and help this family get some sort of justice!

    Ugh, so sad for you. Heartfelt condolences.

  • Concerned Citizen March 11, 2011 (8:00 am)

    My heart aches ….

  • WSB March 11, 2011 (9:51 am)

    In case you see this story first- we have since published the story directly from Lucy’s owner (including photos he agreed to share after we asked for one) …

    https://westseattleblog.com/?p=66316

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