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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Driver held after hitting pedestrian

A pedestrian died Thursday after she was struck by a car on the South Hill.

The driver, Elizabeth M. Van Zandt, 47, was arrested and booked into jail on a count of vehicular homicide, Spokane police spokesman Dick Cottam said in a press release.

The victim was struck by Van Zandt’s northbound vehicle about 5 p.m. as she attempted to cross Grand Boulevard near 22nd Avenue, Spokane police Sgt. Joe Walker said.

She was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Walker said the woman, whose name was not released, was elderly.

Cottam did not say whether alcohol or speed were factors in the crash. A blood sample was taken from Van Zandt before she was booked into jail.

Grand Boulevard was closed for a few hours as police investigated.

Van Zandt was alone in her car and pulled over after hitting the woman, Cottam said.

Police interviewed one witness, and are interested in hearing from any others, Cottam said.

Walker said the rainy weather may have been a factor.

“It’s very difficult to see pedestrians,” Walker said. “It’s so dark, and the streets are getting slick.”

Police reported numerous minor collisions in Thursday’s steady rain.

A minivan rear-ended a school bus carrying about 45 members of the Mt. Spokane High School marching band on Francis Avenue near Division Street Thursday evening. There were no serious injuries, but the students were loaded into a different bus as a precaution, said Officer Chris Crane. The minivan’s driver was expected to receive a ticket.