UPDATE: Teen hurt while sledding, taken to hospital; driver arrested

(Added: Scene photo shared by Ray in comments)

1:28 PM: Thanks for the tips about an emergency response in Arbor Heights. According to SFD radio communication, a 14-year-old boy was hurt in a collision with a car while sledding at/near 35th SW and SW 110th. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening and he was described as “awake and alert,” but he is being taken to Harborview Medical Center. Streets are blocked near the intersection while police investigate.

ADDED TUESDAY MORNING, 8:04 AM: The driver is under investigation for possible DUI.

10:48 AM: SPD has posted the case on its blog-format “blotter”:

A 14-year-old boy sustained a head injury after he collided with a car while he was riding a sled down a hill in West Seattle yesterday. The 20-year-old driver of the car was later arrested and booked into jail for DUI.

On Monday, at approximately 1:00 pm, a Ford Focus was traveling southbound on 35th Avenue SW approaching SW 110th Street when the 14-year-old on the sled entered the intersection. The 20-year-old male driver of the Focus attempted to brake, but the vehicle continued to slide on the icy road and the Focus and sled collided, causing the injury.

The driver called 911 reporting the collision. Officers arrived, along with the Fire Department. The driver was evaluated at the scene and was later arrested for suspicious of DUI (marijuana). The 14-year-old was transported to HMC where he is recovering.

The driver of the vehicle was later booked into the King County Jail. This remains an active and on-going investigation.

34 Replies to "UPDATE: Teen hurt while sledding, taken to hospital; driver arrested"

  • MsA February 4, 2019 (1:55 pm)

    I hear the chopper over 108th and 37th. 

  • Bonnie February 4, 2019 (1:57 pm)

    I hope he recovers quickly!

  • AH neighbor February 4, 2019 (1:57 pm)

    Does this explain the helicopter hanging out over Arbor Heights?

    • WSB February 4, 2019 (2:02 pm)

      If there’s one, it would be KIRO, since they don’t show on FlightTracker and nothing’s showing (the KING/KOMO helicopter would show, and there’s no reason for Guardian 1).

  • D-Mom February 4, 2019 (2:02 pm)

    Yikes!  So close to home too.  Drivers, please be extra careful!  There are lots of kids, dogs, adults out sledding and playing in the snowy streets.  My friend just said good bye to a beautiful 9 year old boy they know from this very thing.

    • Lynn February 4, 2019 (9:39 pm)

      Noo! From a car sliding and hitting him. That’s so sad. I’m so sorry. 

  • Ray Born February 4, 2019 (2:08 pm)

    • WSB February 4, 2019 (2:10 pm)

      Thank you for the photo.

  • Ray Born February 4, 2019 (2:10 pm)

  • Ray Born February 4, 2019 (2:18 pm)

  • Jesse February 4, 2019 (2:22 pm)

    I hope he recovers quickly!  NOTE: The Speed Radar Sign is still broken.  Traffic speeds on 35th and on Marine View Drive.  Please slow down, save a life!.

  • Dakota February 4, 2019 (3:59 pm)

    Hope you’re doing O.K. -D.K.

  • George Gonzalez February 4, 2019 (4:53 pm)

    Please keep us posted. I ran to the scene when it first happened and  provided basic first aid till emergency services got there. First responders were there very quickly. 

    • WSB February 4, 2019 (5:28 pm)

      Another radio exchange after the victim arrived at the hospital also suggested injuries were not major. The driver is under investigation and the vehicle was to be impounded – TR

    • 3xcharmama February 8, 2019 (10:44 am)

      Thank you George, I spoke with my friend who’s son was injured and you were an angel when she needed one on her side.

  • Lois Schipper February 4, 2019 (5:37 pm)

    Go George.  Way to be ready and present!!!

    • George Gonzalez February 4, 2019 (7:46 pm)

      I’m glad to hear there are no major injuries and hope he recovers quickly. I’m also thankful for just renewing my first aid training two weeks ago. 

      • George Gonzalez February 5, 2019 (6:42 pm)

        I just wanted to clarify that I meant there were no major life threatening injuries. My thoughts are with this kid and his family and I hope he recovers soon.  

  • Kim February 4, 2019 (6:35 pm)

    Thank you, George!

  • Jenben February 4, 2019 (6:54 pm)

    Any update on this kid? 

    • 3xcharmama February 8, 2019 (10:46 am)

      I won’t speak on behalf of his parents but I did see my friend and her son yesterday at the hospital. He is recovering.

  • WSDAD February 5, 2019 (11:54 am)

    Parents, please tell your kids that if they want to sled ON A ROAD, they should have a spotter at intersections.  A fast moving object low to the ground on a sled will have the propensity to surprise even a cautious driver in a way that a bike or other vehicle will not.  Now before the internet hordes come at me and admonish me for my callousness, please know I too enjoy the time honored WS tradition of road sledding, but I make sure we have a spotter at the top and at the bottom keeping an eye on any traffic because….it is a road.  Stay safe, have fun. 

    • WSB February 5, 2019 (12:32 pm)

      Please note that we have strict rules against victim-blaming. Your point is important but I need to note that we have no idea whether there were or were not “spotters” in this situation. – TR

  • D-Mom February 5, 2019 (5:18 pm)

    I just heard on the news that this kid is still in the ICU. Sounds like it was a bit more than minor injuries. Any other updates?  Being a family of street sledders in the neighborhood, I keep thinking about this kid. 

    • WSB February 5, 2019 (5:50 pm)

      We did not at any point report “minor injuries” – just, not life-threatening. If someone reported an updated condition then they have the victim’s name, which I do not.

  • Mj February 6, 2019 (10:22 am)

    WSDAD comment is spot on.I did hear on the news this AM that the driver was cited for DUI.

    • WSB February 6, 2019 (10:28 am)

      That has been in our story since yesterday morning.

  • Mj February 6, 2019 (10:55 am)

    Yes, but the driver has now been formally cited per this AM’s news

    • WSB February 6, 2019 (1:03 pm)

      No, he has not. If that’s the language you saw/heard some TV person use, it was an inaccurate rewrite of the police item directly quoted above. The 20-year-old was arrested but has NOT been cited/charged. From the Municipal Court log item on the case: “CHARGE # 1 115602000 (D.U.I.) NO COMPLAINT FILED.” That doesn’t mean no complaint (charge/citation) will ever be filed, but it hasn’t been filed yet. Fairly common for all the DUI cases I’ve researched – could take months, awaiting blood-test results among other reasons – TR

  • Chris Kindem February 6, 2019 (5:04 pm)

    This
    is the mom of the injured boy writing.  First of all, thank you so much to
    everyone for your concern!  Also, thank you so much to George Gonzalez, for
    all your wonderful care of my son.  I was incredibly grateful to you,
    and to the other amazing people — Angie, Tina, and others —  who helped
    in so many ways while we waited for the ambulance to get there, and afterward
    as well.  Thank you to all of you!  My son sustained significant injuries which have all been
    addressed at Harborview, where he still remains, and where he is receiving
    excellent care.  He is expected to recover fully.  Thank you again
    for everyone’s caring and concern!

    • WSB February 6, 2019 (5:46 pm)

      Thank you for letting us all know.

    • George Gonzalez February 6, 2019 (7:39 pm)

      It warms my heart to hear he is recovering. Please know your family and especially your son continue to be in my thoughts. 

    • JamiSue February 6, 2019 (8:17 pm)

      Chris we are all sending our healing prayers to him and holding you all in our heartsJami, Pat and the girls

  • Mj February 6, 2019 (5:59 pm)

    Good to here, a full recovery is awesome.  

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