11 injured, 3 critical after van crashes through Burien storefront

A van crashed through the front window and the check stand of a Burien Ross Dress for Less store, injuring 11 people. Three of those 11 were injured critically, including a 2-year-old boy who was hit by the van while he was in his stroller, deputies said.

The crash happened at the 15800 block of 1st Avenue at about 9:15 p.m. Investigators said before the crash, a woman was seen shoplifting multiple items before leaving the store.

According to Sgt. Ryan Abbott with the King County Sheriff’s Office, the woman ran out and got inside the passenger seat of the van, driven by a 51-year-old man. Once she got in, the driver accelerated into a car parked in front of the store.

Witnesses told KIRO 7 after sideswiping the car, the van continued to accelerate through the windows and front doors of the store.

“The whole front of the store exploded,” said Ilsa Mendez, who was shopping with her family.

According to Abbott, the three who were critically injured were taken to Harborview Medical Center. A 2-year-old child, a 41-year-old man and a person in their 30s were being treated for impact injuries and severe lacerations.

Several others were treated at the scene and taken to local hospitals, Abbott said.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs and the passenger was also arrested.

Based on the damage, the van crashed into the store at a high rate of speed, Abbott said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

#Update: 11 total injured, 3 of the 11 in critical condition. The driver 51 year old male is under arrest for suspicion of DUI for drugs and vehicular assault. Passenger arrested for warrant and shoplifting. Detectives investigating will update later today with any new info.

— King County Sheriff's Office PIO (@kingcosoPIO) December 17, 2019