A quiet stretch of State Route 96 turned into a crime scene early Thursday when a pedestrian was struck in a hit-and-run near Elgin Way Southeast, by the Martha Lake and Mill Creek neighborhoods. Troopers reported the crash just before 3 a.m., and westbound lanes were shut down while emergency crews moved in. Authorities have not released the victim's condition or any description of the vehicle that took off.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding said on social media that westbound SR 96 and Elgin Way SE were completely blocked, and drivers were briefly sent around the closure using the eastbound turn lane. Crews responded to the scene, and the State Patrol is leading the investigation.
Where It Happened And Pedestrian Context
The crash site sits just east of McCollum Park and the nearby Park-and-Ride, a spot familiar to walkers and transit riders. Snohomish County Public Works notes it built a sidewalk along Elgin Way between SR 96 and 10th Drive SE in 2015 to improve pedestrian access. Even with those upgrades, stretches of SR 96 remain busy arterials where walking close to faster-moving traffic can be risky.
Investigation And Next Steps
Troopers say the investigation is ongoing and have not released any suspect vehicle information. Per FOX 13 Seattle, the State Patrol handled the initial response and investigators are continuing to gather evidence at the scene.
Hit-And-Run Law In Washington
Under Washington law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury can bring felony charges. RCW 46.52.020 lays out a driver's duty to stop, exchange information and provide reasonable assistance, and notes that failing to do so when someone is hurt is a class C felony punishable under state law.
