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

Pedestrian hit, killed while walking on sidewalk in north Spokane

The scene of a fatal accident on Tuesday at the corner of Augusta and Ruby. (Colin Mulvany)
Staff reports
A driver hit and killed a woman pushing a stroller Tuesday morning on a sidewalk near the intersection of North Ruby Street and Augusta Avenue. The victim, 68-year-old Marla Langley, was pronounced dead at the scene after bystanders and paramedics attempted to revive her. The 4-year-old boy in the stroller survived with only minor injuries, authorities said. The motorist, Brandon P. Pratt, 34, was arrested by Spokane police on suspicion of vehicular homicide, according to Spokane County Jail records. Police suspect he was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police said a black Ford Explorer was traveling north on Ruby and swerved to avoid a Spokane Transit Authority bus that was making a stop and another vehicle that was stopped behind it. The driver steered right, over a sidewalk and into a parking lot, slamming into a large pickup truck that spun 90 degrees and in turn hit two cars parked beside it. The Explorer also hit Langley, who was walking on the sidewalk on the east side of the street. Police said she was a grandmother or great-grandmother to the boy. Attempts to reach the family Tuesday were unsuccessful. Pratt was charged in at least 14 juvenile cases from 1994 to 1997, according to court listings. Those charges include three car thefts, second-degree robbery, drug and weapon possession, intimidation with a weapon, second-degree assault, harassment and reckless endangerment. His adult history includes convictions for driving under the influence, marijuana possession, reckless driving, harassment and displaying a weapon. His most recent conviction was this year for fourth-degree assault. Watch Commander Brad Arleth of the Spokane Police Department brief the media on this incident.

This story is developing