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EVERETT, Snohomish County, Wash., Oct. 12, 2026 — Four people were hospitalized early Sunday morning, October 11, after a man reportedly stole a vehicle and struck them while driving away from a parking lot fight near Broadway, according to the Everett Police Department.
Officers said a large fight broke out around 2 a.m. in a restaurant parking lot near the 2300 block of Broadway. During or after the fight, a man reportedly stole a vehicle belonging to one of the restaurant's patrons. As he drove off, the vehicle struck several people who were in the lot.
The driver then crashed the stolen vehicle about a block from the restaurant and fled on foot. Four people were taken to the hospital, and police described some of the injuries as significant.
Police said K9 officers searched for the suspect but did not locate him.
The investigation remains active. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
What Actually Cuts Down Pedestrian Injuries in Parking Lot and Street Crashes
Darkness plays a bigger role in pedestrian crashes than most people realize. At 2 a.m. in a dimly lit parking lot, a driver's ability to spot someone on foot drops fast, especially when that person is moving quickly or standing near parked cars. Better lighting in lots and along access roads gives drivers more time to react before a person becomes visible only a few feet away.
Road and site design matter too. Raised crosswalks, marked pedestrian paths through parking areas, speed bumps near building entrances, and clear separation between foot traffic and vehicle lanes all cut down on the split-second decisions that lead to a strike. Signal timing that gives pedestrians a head start at nearby intersections, and barriers that keep cars from cutting through walking areas, have also been shown to reduce injuries in commercial and nightlife districts.
None of this removes the role of driver behavior, but it changes the odds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Investigators who study these crashes consistently point to the combination of low visibility, impaired judgment, and crowded, poorly lit spaces as the backdrop against which most pedestrian strikes happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a vehicle?
Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Try not to move if there's any pain in the neck, back, or head, and wait for paramedics to evaluate you. Get the names of any witnesses and ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Washington, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching for each other, especially in low light or crowded areas like parking lots.
How can drivers watch out for pedestrians more effectively?
Slowing down in lots and near building entrances, scanning between parked cars, and giving extra space at night all help. Many pedestrian strikes happen in short bursts, so a few extra seconds of caution in poorly lit areas makes a real difference.
What injuries are most common when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian?
Broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries are common, since a person has little protection against the weight and speed of a vehicle. Severity often depends on the vehicle's speed and whether the person is thrown or pinned.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Everett, WA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash in Everett should call 911 right away so officers and medics can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, don't show symptoms immediately.
If you're a witness, stay at the scene long enough to speak with responding officers and share what you saw. Photos of the area, especially lighting conditions and vehicle positions, can help investigators piece together what happened. Follow up with the Everett Police Department if you have information that could help identify a suspect or clarify how the incident unfolded.
