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

Two pedestrians hit by car; driver held

Thomas Clouse Staff writer

A woman was in critical condition and a man was injured Thursday when they were hit by a car in downtown Spokane. The driver was arrested on two counts of vehicular assault and was under investigation for allegedly driving under the influence.

Spokane police responded at 12:37 a.m. to Third Avenue and Walnut Street to the report of a car hitting pedestrians. When they arrived, the officers found a woman with serious head injuries and a man with a broken leg and arm.

Both were transported to a local hospital, where the woman was listed in critical condition, Cpl. Michael Carr said in a press release.

The driver was identified as David J. Baggett, 26.

According to a witness, Baggett was driving north on Walnut while the pedestrians were walking in the crosswalk against a “don’t walk” sign.

Baggett, according to the witness, had a green light as he drove into the intersection, Carr said.

The pedestrians were more than halfway across Walnut when they were struck, the witness said.

Baggett waited for officers to arrive and told them that he had struck the pedestrians, Carr said.

Baggett was arrested “after officers determined that he was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” according to the press release.

Also Thursday, the Spokane Police Department said another pedestrian hit on North Division on Saturday remains in critical condition.

In that case, the pedestrian suffered two fractures in his back, four fractures to his legs, two broken wrists and head injuries.

“His prognonsis is uncertain,” Officer Jennifer DeRuwe said in a press release.