Driver in crash that killed toddler to talk with police

Buckley, WA — Buckley police said the man who hit and killed a toddler after driving onto a walking trail has agreed to meet with them before the end of the week.
 
Police have been waiting to talk with John Barnard, 78, of Enumclaw, since the crash Monday that killed Lincoln Person, 2, as he was pulled in a wagon by his father on the Foothills trail.
 
Police said Barnard drove a pickup truck from State Route 410 and through a grassy ditch then onto the concrete trail. He drove along the trail for 500 feet before hitting Person, then went through a flower bed and hit a power pole, police said. Barnard suffered minor injuries.
 
Buckley Police Chief James Arsanto said Barnard had been in contact with them through his attorney since late Monday, but refused to do an interview with investigators until late Wednesday afternoon.
 
"Anytime somebody retains counsel, all questioning stops until counsel wants to meet with you and talk," said Arsanto.
 
Investigators have continued to pursue information about Barnard through other methods over the last two days, and may obtain search warrants to look into Barnard's health.
    
KIRO 7 went to Barnard's home in Enumclaw and called the office of his wife, a local attorney, but so far all requests for an interview have gone unanswered.

KIRO