The Seattle Police Department has wrapped up its investigation into a tragic incident last month that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl. Authorities announced that the owner of the unoccupied SUV responsible for the fatal crash will not face criminal charges. The incident took place on March 6 at approximately 12:40 p.m. outside Washington Middle School, near the intersection of 20th Place South and South Weller Street.
Reports indicate that the unoccupied SUV rolled backward onto the sidewalk, striking three middle school students who were walking along 20th Place South during their lunch break. Emergency responders from both the Seattle Police and Fire Departments rushed to the scene, but tragically, the 12-year-old girl was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad conducted a thorough inquiry, which included an evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert, confirming that the SUV owner was not under the influence at the time of the incident.
Detectives interviewed numerous individuals, including family members, witnesses, school officials, and representatives from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. They also verified that there were no outstanding recalls on the 2018 GMC Acadia involved in the crash.
Despite what officials described as “extensive efforts,” detectives and prosecutors from both King County and Seattle could not find any grounds for criminal charges. The case was subsequently referred to the Seattle Municipal Court, where several parking violations were issued, including infractions related to vehicle classification, parking near a fire hydrant, improper parallel parking, and failing to secure the vehicle when parked.
