SEATTLE — An 80-year-old woman was killed in a violent carjacking after she was dragged by her vehicle, police say. The suspect is still at large.
A Seattle Police Department (SPD) spokesperson said officers responded Tuesday morning just before 10 a.m. to the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way East and East Harrison Street. Officers found the woman in the street. Despite life-saving measures, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the woman, who friends identified as Ruth Dalton, a beloved neighborhood dog walker, was carjacked by a suspect. She was dragged by her vehicle for a few feet before the suspect fled in the car.
Early Tuesday evening, friends started leaving flowers and candles near the initial crime scene.
"We've been sharing business relationships with her for the better part of 30 years," said Charlene Smith. "She was a service-dedicated person who devoted seven days a week to caring for people's loved pets. She was extremely loyal, caring, and honest."
Smith said she and Dalton were pioneers in Seattle's dog care and service industry.
"She's going to be dearly missed by a lot of dogs and a lot of people," Smith said.
The stolen car and a deceased dog were found near Brighton playfield hours later. Police are still searching for a male suspect.
There were multiple people in the area who saw the attack and tried to step in and help.
"I'm just so sorry. That's all I can say. I don't know what else I can say at this point, except I'm so sorry," said neighbor Mark Clouse.