SEATTLE — The suspect accused in a violent hit-and-run in Skyway on Saturday is a repeat DUI offender.
Chrystal Barber, 50, also known as Chrystal Walker, turned herself in to authorities Sunday.
Court documents show Barber admitted to authorities she was behind the wheel of a red pickup truck on Saturday afternoon. Investigators with the King County Sheriff’s Office say she hit 51-year-old Alex Hayden, who was riding his bike on Rainier Avenue South in Skyway. Documents show Hayden was in the bike lane, wearing a helmet when he was hit from behind, thrown and hit a parked car. Officials say Barber never stopped and drove for 1,200 feet with the bike bike wedged in the front bumper.
“When they showed it on the news and I told her - that's Chrystal because I recognized that truck,” said Toy Robinson, Barber’s neighbor.
“She's great, nice, a great person,” Robinson added. “She's a good friend, person to as a friend.”
Barber is not accused of DUI in this case but KIRO 7 has learned Barber is a repeat DUI offender with five DUI convictions from 2003-2011.
Robinson was surprised to hear that.
“Wouldn't you learn from your first offense? I would. I would learn from it,” Robinson said.
Hayden is still in critical condition in the ICU at Harborview Medical Center. Documents show he may not survive his injuries. He was a local photographer and had two children.
“I just wish her the best of luck. Don't wish nothing bad. Praying for the other side too,” Robinson added.
The sheriff's office also says Barber was supposed to have an ignition interlock device in her car but the truck did not have one. The documents also show Barber was driving her uncle's car but he says he never gave her permission to drive it.
Barber is being held on a $100,000 bond.
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