Woman pushing stroller struck, killed by SUV on Spokane sidewalk

Police suspect an intoxicated driver steered his SUV onto the sidewalk Tuesday morning along Ruby Street and struck a 68-year-old woman, killing her as she pushed a child in a stroller.

A witness and paramedics administered CPR to Marla Langley, but she died at the scene near the busy street’s intersection with Augusta Avenue.

The 4-year-old boy in the stroller sustained minor injuries, said Spokane police Capt. Brad Arleth.

The driver, Brandon P. Pratt, 34, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, according to Spokane County Jail records. A drug recognition expert called to the scene evaluated the driver and determined that Pratt was “likely impaired by drugs,” Arleth said.

Arleth said Pratt was driving a black Ford Explorer north on Ruby about 10:40 a.m. when he swerved to avoid an STA bus that was making a stop and another vehicle that was stopped behind it. The SUV went across 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.

Pratt has a 21-year criminal history as a juvenile and adult that includes car thefts, drugs, reckless driving, driving under the influence, robbery, assault, reckless endangerment and weapons charges. His most recent conviction was this year for fourth-degree assault.