Carnations and a single red rose were placed near the area where a 2-year-old Redmond girl was struck by 25-year-old Kenmore driver and killed at Redmond Town Center on Wednesday evening.
The accident occurred at the intersection of 164th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 74th Street, according to Redmond Police Department (RPD) Cmdr. Charlie Gorman.
“This is a tragic situation for all involved. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim,” said RPD Chief Ron Gibson.
A Redmond Town Center representative on scene Thursday morning said the playground would be open that day and they’re taking a look at the area regarding safety issues.
RPD and the Redmond Fire Department received the call at about 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday and were quickly on scene. Gorman said the girl darted out from the nearby playground into the street as the male driver slowed to a stop and struck the girl, who died on scene.
The driver cooperated with police and agreed to take a voluntary blood draw. According to an RPD press release, at this time, drugs and/or alcohol don’t appear to be factors in the accident.
The driver was heading eastbound on 74th and approaching the stop sign at 164th when the accident occurred. According to the RPD release, “the investigation reveals the driver did not have an opportunity to see the child or to stop in time.”
The RPD traffic division was on scene Wednesday investigating the incident and taking statements from witnesses. The roadway was closed for a while as the investigation was completed.
“So sad, walked by a couple of hours later, all was closed off, police everywhere. Not sure if anyone is to blame here. Condolences to the family and the driver,” reads one post on the Reporter’s Facebook page. “The playground there is very good, (but) dangerously close to the roadway. I would strongly urge those in authority to consider making the whole area peds-only. Removing traffic from the central plaza was a good start. That area is much safer and friendlier now.”
Added another Facebook poster who was at Redmond Town Center when the accident happened: “As a community member, my mind is reeling with the loss of this precious life and the impact it will have on all lives touched by her’s. I realize with a heavy heart that her parents’ and the family’s lives, the nanny’s and driver’s lives and witnesses’ lives changed forever in a split second. If anyone involved in this tragedy is reading this, I pray that God wraps His arms around you and gives you peace.”
