Renton police are on the hunt for a pickup driver accused of slamming into a motorcyclist and taking off last Wednesday on the 2200 block of Maple Valley Highway. Investigators say the crash, described as a suspected intentional road-rage collision, left the rider seriously injured. Detectives believe the suspect was driving a 2009 to 2014 Ford F-150 STX extended-cab with chrome step rails and a tonneau cover, and that the truck sped off westbound after the impact.
What police say
According to the Renton Police Department, traffic detectives are treating the case as both vehicular assault and hit-and-run, and have opened an investigation under case #26-5139. Sgt. Ray Gorajewski is listed as the lead investigator, and anyone with information is asked to email him at [email protected]. Police are especially interested in dash-cam or doorbell footage from around the time of the crash and have urged residents to preserve any relevant video before it is automatically deleted.
Maple Valley Highway and motorcycle risks
Maple Valley Highway is part of State Route 169, a corridor that state transportation studies have already flagged for safety upgrades. The SR 169 Safety Study calls out multiple crash hotspots between Maple Valley and Renton. Motorcycles continue to be overrepresented in the most serious wrecks statewide, with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission's FFY 2025 annual report noting 113 motorcyclist fatalities in 2024 and stressing better rider training and driver awareness as key prevention strategies. Local and state traffic planners have repeatedly pointed to roadway design and speeding as two big reasons collisions on routes like this can turn severe in a hurry.
Potential charges
If detectives eventually determine that the strike on the rider was deliberate and that the driver knowingly fled, the suspect could be looking at major felony counts under Washington law. Vehicular assault is classified as a class B felony in the state, and leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury can bring felony or gross-misdemeanor hit-and-run charges, depending on how serious the injuries are, under RCW 46.61.522 and RCW 46.52.020.
How to help investigators
Anyone who saw the crash, recognizes the truck description, or has photos or video from the area is asked to email Sgt. Ray Gorajewski at [email protected] and reference case #26-5139, according to the Renton Police Department. Residents who want guidance on how best to share digital evidence with officers can also check the City of Renton online reporting resources or review camera and ALPR participation details through Renton, which outlines how community footage can support active police investigations.
