Three separate traffic incidents involving young pedestrians marred Halloween festivities in Tacoma, according to local law enforcement. The Tacoma Police Department reported that the accidents occurred on a night traditionally filled with trick-or-treaters taking to the streets. In a statement obtained by KIRO 7 News, the first of these incidents took place around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Nassau Avenue Northeast and Northshore Parkway Northeast, where a child was hit but fortunately sustained only minor injuries.
The child involved in the Nassau Avenue incident, reportedly eight years of age, did not require hospitalization. Emitting cooperation, the driver stayed with the police, who later issued them a ticket. The night proceeded, and approximately an hour later, another eight-year-old was hit near East 59th and Portland Avenue. A witness, Scott Orr, shared with FOX 13 Seattle, "I witnessed the tail end of it," further expressing their concern by reaching out to their child who was also partaking in the Halloween ritual of trick-or-treating to ensure their safety.
The second child suffered serious injuries and was quickly transported to the hospital, with the current condition remaining undisclosed at this time. A local neighbor recounted the presence of multiple emergency vehicles, adding to the gravity of the situation as stated in the FOX 13 Seattle report. Meanwhile, details surrounding the incidents steadily emerged, amidst the community's collective anxiety for the well-being of their youngest members.
A third incident was reported to have occurred at 8:30 p.m. at the junction of East 96th and "A" Street, where a thirteen-year-old was also struck by a vehicle, as detailed in a statement by detective William Muse to The News Tribune. The child was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries sustained from the accident, and while their current condition was not available shortly thereafter, the driver involved remained at the scene to assist with the police investigation. No arrests have been made as authorities continue to look into the circumstances of each disturbing encounter between the celebratory and the hazardous.
