KENT, Wash. — A 12-year-old boy died after he was struck and killed by a driver in Kent Tuesday night.
"This is a tragic and needless loss of life," Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla said in a statement. "My heart goes out to the parents and family of the victim."
Kent police were dispatched to a serious traffic collision at 132nd Avenue Southeast and Southeast 230th Street at around 7 p.m.
According to police, passersby called 911 and began CPR on the child. Officers arrived within two minutes and took over CPR until medical professionals arrived. Despite life-saving efforts, the child died at the scene.
The boy was on a scooter on a marked shoulder of the roadway when he was struck, according to Padilla.
People who live next to where the crash happened told KING 5 that the whole neighborhood is mourning the loss of the boy.
"He's lovely," said neighbor Tenaye Alemu, of the boy who was killed. "He's so conservative, respectful, so lovely, so sweet."
The suspect, identified as a 19-year-old Kent man who was driving a Chevy Silverado, was located nearby shortly after the incident and taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular homicide.
The 19-year-old suspect waived his right to appear in court Wednesday. A judge set his bail at $100,000.
Police said there are indications that alcohol played a role in the collision.
Court records show the suspect said he had four alcoholic drinks before driving and had multiple other people in the car. Police believe alcohol played a role in the crash.
The suspect spoke with officers on scene and said he believed he was going 55 to 60 mph in the 35 mph zone. He said he was passing traffic and testing his truck suspension before he hit the child.
Padilla said traffic investigators are "working nonstop" to rush file charges against the driver.
Kent police traffic officers are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent Police Department tip line at 253-856-5808, send an email to KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov or call 911 if the information is time sensitive.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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