Toddler In Critical Condition After Burien Crash That Injured 11

BURIEN, WA — Eleven people were hospitalized after a van crashed through a Burien Ross store Monday night. The King County Sheriff's Office said three patients — one child and two adults — suffered critical injuries on the 15700 block of 1st Avenue South. Eight other people were taken to Highline Medical Center with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Sgt. Ryan Abbott, a sheriff's office spokesman, said a 49-year-old woman was reported shoplifting inside the store around 9:15 p.m. She ran outside and got into a white passenger van, where a man in the driver's seat began revving the engine. Investigators said the van struck a white sedan before crashing through the glass and into the store, hitting a cash register and a two-year-old boy in a stroller. The van traveled an estimated 40 feet before coming to a stop.

According to the sheriff's office, the toddler did not have a pulse when deputies arrived, but medics were able to revive him and take the child to Harborview Medical Center. The boy remained hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday afternoon. Deputies said two other people, including the toddler's 41-year-old grandfather, were also hospitalized with critical injuries.

Eight other people were taken to the hospital with broken bones and minor injuries. The sheriff's office said the man driving the van was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault. Detectives believe the 51-year-old driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. Investigators are still awaiting the results of a blood test. A first court appearance is scheduled Wednesday afternoon.

The female passenger was booked into jail on an unrelated theft warrant.