SEATTLE, WA – Two teenagers were taken into custody in Washington state on Thursday, following a two-month investigation into alleged vehicular assaults on pedestrians. The Seattle Police Department reported that the arrests were made in Snohomish County just after 11 a.m.
The suspects, a 15-year-old male and a 13-year-old female, were linked to two separate incidents that occurred on November 26, 2023. Due to their age, the identities of the teenagers have not been disclosed.
On December 8, Seattle police released video footage of the incidents, which led to the victims, both of whom sustained serious injuries, reaching out to the authorities. The footage showed two vehicles intentionally striking pedestrians in the North Seattle area.
The extensive investigation, involving “countless hours” of work, enabled the police to gather the necessary evidence for the arrests. The vehicles used in the assaults, which were found to be stolen, were also recovered.
The first incident took place at 1:50 a.m. on North 107th Street west of Aurora Avenue North, where a woman was deliberately hit by a car. A cellphone video uncovered by detectives reportedly captured a voice from inside the car instructing to “hit this b—h” before the woman was struck. The occupants of the car were heard laughing as they drove away.
Another similar incident occurred later the same day on the 9600 block of Aurora Avenue North. A pedestrian in the bus lane was targeted and hit from behind, causing them to be thrown over the hood of the car. Given the speed of the impact, the police stated in December that the victim likely suffered severe injuries.
Both teenagers face charges of assault, possession of a stolen vehicle, and hit-and-run with injuries. They were apprehended without any incidents and are currently held at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center.