UPDATE: Suspect arrested after air, ground search follows crash on Sylvan Way; 3 to hospital

| Crime | Helicopter | High Point | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos)

6:08 PM: Sylvan Way is blocked both ways by a crash in the 6900 block [map] that briefly drew a sizable SFD “extrication” response. Everybody’s out, per radio communication. More info to come.

6:17 PM: Police are searching for someone in connection with this and the Guardian One helicopter has joined the search. Our crew says apparently one of the drivers fled – two vehicles were involved. Two children are hurt and will be taken to a hospital.

6:29 PM: We’re told the children’s mom also will be taken to a hospital. But none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

6:52 PM: Police have detained a man near 25th/Myrtle.

7:03 PM: We’ve confirmed with police that the man is being questioned in connection with the crash; G-1 has tweeted that, too.

7:26 PM: Our crew tells us Sylvan has reopened.

11:56 PM: SPD says the man was arrested for suspected DUI as well as hit-run.

1:18 AM: Husband/dad of pregnant woman and kids hit by the suspected drunk driver says in a comment that they’ll be OK.

Trickycoolj November 28, 2018 (6:17 pm)

Any word on which tv channel has the chopper circling the block? second one this week. One of the other cars from last weekend is still on the cemetery lawn.

WSB November 28, 2018 (6:45 pm)

That was Guardian One.

AJ November 28, 2018 (6:17 pm)

You guys are always on top of things! I was just about to contact you about a helicopter circling that general area.

Anon November 28, 2018 (6:20 pm)

Is the helicopter flying around related?

Marianne November 28, 2018 (6:23 pm)

Hope everyone is ok. Blue SUV with major driver’s side damage, perpendicular to the bushes on the north side of the street. Red car on its side behind the SUV.

WSB November 28, 2018 (6:44 pm)

We have photos added now, bad cell signal at the scene so took a bit to get them out.

Kristen November 28, 2018 (6:40 pm)

He was just caught at 25th and myrtle

WSB November 28, 2018 (6:44 pm)

Our crew is headed that way.
Mike November 28, 2018 (9:42 pm)

Hit and run with kids hurt, better hope the police catch them before the parents do.

Husband November 29, 2018 (1:08 am)

Thank you to everyone who helped my family. In addition to the 2 kids, my wife is 7 months pregnant. Everyone (incl baby) is okay, especially considering the circumstances. One broken wrist.My wife was touched by how many people helped her and the kids, offering blankets and comfort. Thank you all for being so human.

WSB November 29, 2018 (1:15 am)

Thank you for the update!
Wild One November 29, 2018 (1:45 am)

So glad you are all OK!
Mike November 29, 2018 (6:14 am)

Glad everyone is going to be okay. Please please please get a lawyer and go after this person in court. Our system is light on DUI ‘s, friend was on a court case where a 10 time offender was found passed out in their pickup near Lincoln Park with 6 empty cans of beer and all but two of the jurors let the offender off with a “he’s had a rough life” statement. My friend wanted them kept in jail, he was infuriated so many jurors just let the guy go. Who knows, maybe this is that same offender.
Judy November 29, 2018 (1:11 pm)

so glad everyone is okay!
ASENATI LEAPAI November 29, 2018 (6:08 pm)

What and amazing God! Please send my regards to your wife and children. I hope the “Moana” blanket kept the kids warm. Praying for complete healing upon your wife and children. God bless ❤️

sam-c November 29, 2018 (8:22 am)

Thank goodness your family is going to be okay. Looks like it was a terrifying accident.Glad they caught the suspect.

zark00 November 29, 2018 (1:58 pm)

I know this was DUI, and so thankful everyone will be ok, but does anyone else feel like that Sylvan stretch there is dangerous? I’ve had several close calls going to/from HD over the years – they need to post up there and write some tickets for a couple weeks, get people in check. Maybe clear out some greenery so that blind corner is as blind?

Kay November 29, 2018 (2:33 pm)

Visibility is fine. It is people speeding that are the problem. Speedbumps may help.
KM November 29, 2018 (3:09 pm)

Trimming back some of the growth would be nice, and could also provide an opportunity for actual pedestrian/bike infrastructure. I think the biggest issue is speed and reckless driving–which the city doesn’t seem interested in enforcing.

Homeowner November 29, 2018 (4:48 pm)

I am the homeowner where the accident took place. I commend all the people who stopped to help and I am incredibly relieved the family was ok. I’d also like to thank the Police for their diligence in apprehending the driver who fled through my property. We’ve been in our home just about 4 years and there have been a lot of “close calls”, but nothing like this. Sylvan Way is dangerous due to the high rate of speed ( both directions ) and the deceiving curve right in front of our house. If the police are not interested in enforcing speed limits ( which I don’t think they are ), I am imploring the City to evaluate ways to deter the reckless driving that goes on day and night. Additionally, the city also has an obligation to maintain their land ( on both sides ). The lower half of Sylvan is virtually impassable on the sidewalk side and the brush side keeps growing which makes navigating the “curve” that much more difficult.

Concerned November 30, 2018 (11:51 am)

Thank you Homeowner for this post, for your response, and for contacting the City to fix this situation. It’s no longer “close-calls.” I am relieved for the family but they have a long road ahead.

BJG November 29, 2018 (8:30 pm)

I just hated to see that this has happened to another family. Wishing you all well.Some years ago we were hit head-on by a drunk motorcyclist speeding into that curve up the hill. The impact totaled our van. Our family survived with injuries. The rider did not. The roadway is not banked properly at the curve making it all the more dangerous. There has not been enough signage to slow traffic ahead of the turn. While warning signs won’t stop every driver from speeding, it might avoid some of the accidents there. I remember that terrible Sunday afternoon whenever I drive that road.

WSB November 29, 2018 (9:07 pm)

FYI, for anyone checking back, we have yet to be able to match this to either a booking on the jail register (two people with DUI and hit/run bookings cross-referenced to unrelated incidents) or even an incident # so I have to pursue the “what’s the status of the suspect?” question with alternative methods tomorrow – TR

Overwatch December 5, 2018 (5:57 pm)

Anymore info on suspect
- WSB December 5, 2018 (6:09 pm)
  
  Unfortunately, no. He apparently was taken to the hospital afterward rather than directly booked into jail, so the process of coming up with his ID has been challenging. Still trying, though.

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