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LAKEWOOD, Pierce County, Wash., Sept. 14, 2026 — A pedestrian was hurt overnight on Saturday into Sunday, September 13, when a driver struck him on Pacific Avenue, also known as State Route 7, and left the scene, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The man, described by troopers as a 44-year-old Lakewood resident, was reportedly crossing the southbound lanes of Pacific Avenue near State Route 512 at around 3 a.m. when he was hit by a southbound vehicle, authorities said. The driver did not stop and is believed to have continued south on Pacific Avenue, according to state troopers.
The man was taken to Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma for treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Troopers said the driver and vehicle involved had not been identified as of Sunday. The state patrol continues to investigate and asks anyone with information to come forward.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Hit-and-Run Investigations Can Take Weeks to Resolve
When a driver leaves the scene of a pedestrian crash, investigators start by working the physical evidence left behind. That can include vehicle debris, paint transfer, tire marks, and surveillance or dash-cam footage from nearby businesses or homes. Each of these takes time to collect, process, and match to a specific make or model.
Identifying a fleeing driver often depends on tips from the public, traffic camera networks, or license plate readers along the route. Investigators may also send damaged vehicle parts to a lab for analysis, which can take weeks to return results. Toxicology testing, when relevant, follows a similar timeline, since samples are processed by state or contracted labs that handle cases from across the region.
Agencies typically withhold the names of drivers or victims until next of kin have been notified and, in hit-and-run cases, until they can confirm a suspect's identity with sufficient certainty to avoid naming the wrong person. That caution is part of why early reports often contain fewer details than a completed investigation eventually reveals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Washington and most states, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way over vehicles, though pedestrians are still expected to use reasonable care before stepping into traffic.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone on foot?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both sides of the road before turning, and avoiding distractions are among the basics that help drivers spot pedestrians in time to stop, especially in low-light or early-morning hours.
What injuries are common in pedestrian crashes?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since they have little protection compared to someone inside a car.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Lakewood, WA
Anyone who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and, if it's safe, stay at the scene until help arrives. Getting a description of the vehicle, its direction of travel, and any partial license plate information can be critical for investigators trying to identify a fleeing driver.
If you or someone you know was hurt, seeking medical evaluation right away is important, even if injuries seem minor at first, because some injuries may not appear for hours or days. Keeping records of any treatment and filing a report with local police if one hasn't already been made can help support the investigation moving forward.
