Two people out walking in Tacoma were hit by cars in separate crashes Saturday, and police now suspect the incidents are linked. Tacoma officers say both were possible hit-and-runs that looked deliberate, raising the stakes on what started as routine collision calls.
The first crash came in around 10 a.m. near South 19th Street and South Cushman Avenue. About two and a half hours later, at roughly 12:40 p.m., a second pedestrian was struck in the parking lot of the Pilot Express at 1440 Puyallup Avenue. In both cases, the victims were walking and suffered injuries described by officials as not life-threatening.
Tacoma police told KING 5 that investigators believe the crashes appeared intentional, and that they have probable cause to pursue vehicular assault charges in both incidents. Detectives are looking for an older white sedan described as a vehicle of interest and are asking anyone who may have seen it to contact authorities.
Where the crashes happened
The first collision unfolded in south Tacoma near a mix of commercial businesses and apartment buildings. The second took place in the busy parking lot of the Pilot Express at 1440 Puyallup Ave. The company’s location listing confirms a travel center at that address, with fuel lanes and parking areas that may be covered by surveillance cameras investigators could seek as evidence; the listing is available on the company’s location page.
How to help
Anyone who witnessed either crash, or who has dash-cam or security footage from around the time of the incidents, is urged to contact Tacoma Police. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Tacoma–Pierce County at 1-800-222-TIPS or through the P3 Tips app, according to Crime Stoppers of Tacoma–Pierce County. Tipsters can upload photos and videos and still remain anonymous.
Legal angle
Investigators say they have probable cause to pursue vehicular assault charges, which under Washington law (RCW 46.61.522) can be filed as a felony, depending on the circumstances. The Washington Department of Licensing outlines license revocation and other consequences tied to vehicular assault, and state legal resources note that a conviction can bring substantial prison time and fines.
Tacoma police say the investigation remains active and that no arrests have been made. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
