The Associated Press
SEATTLE - A Seattle police officer was fatally injured early Sunday when his vehicle was broadsided by an SUV that ran a red light in the Central Area just east of downtown at 23rd and Yesler, a spokesman said.
The officer was working alone doing a routine patrol when the accident occurred about 4 a.m. The officer’s vehicle - northbound on 23rd - entered the intersection on a green light, said spokesman Sean Whitcomb.
The patrol car was struck in the middle of the intersection by the SUV - eastbound on Yesler - that was speeding and crossed against the light.
The 31-year-old driver was being treated at Harborview for a broken left leg and ankle, Whitcomb said. She was expected to spend the night in the hospital.
A woman believed to be a passenger in the vehicle was also injured and being treated at Harborview, Whitcomb said.
A second woman, believed also to have been a passenger, fled the vehicle on foot. A canine unit was unable to locate her, he said.
The 24-year-old officer, whose name has not been released, was a recent graduate of the police academy and had been patrolling for the past two months.