Beloved 80-year-old Seattle dogwalker killed in violent carjacking

SEATTLE — Seattle Police are investigating the death and carjacking of an 80-year-old dog walker near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard East and East Harrison Street.

Around 9:55 a.m., the victim, a dogwalker, fought the suspect and was dragged as the suspect fled, police said.

When police arrived, the victim was lying in the middle of the street getting CPR by a bystander. When Seattle Fire arrived, they continued medical treatment but were unsuccessful.

Police and several residents told KIRO 7 crews that several bystanders attempted to stop the suspect from driving off.

“A guy going north had a baseball bat and he was yelling, “Get out of the car! Get out of the car!,’” said Bonita Bilton, who was driving by when it happened. “He broke the glass.”

The suspect continued to drive and hit at least one car as he fled.

“I was trying to open my phone to call 911 and I was so nervous I couldn’t even unlock my phone,” Bilton said.

Police said the suspect left in the stolen car and are actively searching.

Neighbors told KIRO 7 crews that several dogs went running from the scene. One resident said she caught one of the dogs and took it to an emergency veterinarian where staff successfully scanned a microchip.

Neighbors say the victim ‘Ruth’ was a beloved part of the community who had been walking dogs for decades.

“I feel so bad for her like she’s trying to protect other people’s animals like it’s just not fair,” said neighbor Laura Dynan.

Charlene Smith is a fellow dog walker who has known Ruth for over 30 years.

“She was kind person, jolly, the dogs absolutely adored her and so did the people that knew her,” said Smith. “And she was an extremely compassionate person who had a very high level of care for animals, and the people who love their animals. She was very trustable and honorable.”

Several neighbors said this incident is one too many.

“Everyone feels unsafe,” said Daphne Romero, recounting another recent violent incident at her workplace less than a mile away. “Last week we had a shooting in our store. Since we moved to this neighborhood, I’ve had my car stolen twice.”

Romero said her son is begging her to leave Seattle.

Mark Clouse, who also lives nearby, told KIRO 7 crews that he recently got a license to carry a weapon concealed.

“I think it’s just to try to be prepared,” he said.

At 3:05 SPD responded to a report from Seattle Animal Control that a dead dog was located in the Brighton Playfield near the 3900 block of South Juneau Street.

Responding officers say they located the stolen vehicle nearby. Police are still searching for the suspect.

If anyone has information, please call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

©2024 Cox Media Group