Kent city employee arrested after pedestrian killed; police say city vehicle involved

A City of Kent employee was arrested after a pedestrian was killed trying to cross the road at 108th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 204th Street.

Kent police said that employee was driving a City of Kent vehicle and they are investigating the case as a hit and run.

A man in his mid-70s  was trying to cross the intersection about 6 p.m. Saturday when he was struck. Police say the victim was dragged about 200 feet and died instantly.

Kent police said the city employee tried to leave the scene. But officers at the crash said that witnesses told police a driver in a red truck followed the employee and was able to cut off the employee and stop him at the next intersection, about a quarter mile away.

“That's a hero, that man was a hero,” said Jose Borto, who lives near the crash.

Police said the city employee was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

“It's sad because they're supposed to be here to you know, do what they're supposed to do. And they're doing that on the job? They're risking their life and others’. It’s sad. And now look what’s happened – a death,” said Sue Madrid, who also lives in Kent near the crash.

Kent Police are still investigating the case and are not releasing the position or name of the city employee yet. However, the side of the truck he was driving read “Parks.”

People who live in the area say there needs to be safety improvements too.

There is no crosswalk at the intersection, even with a bus stop right there.

“It’s hard for us to get through,” Madrid said. “ My God, I just took the bus an hour ago, that could've been me. Or anybody,” she said.

KIRO 7 is still waiting to learn if the city employee was on the job Saturday night when the incident occurred.

The name of the victim is not yet being released.

Cox Media Group