Hit-and-run suspect arrested months after Yelm crash that killed dog, injured pedestrian

A months-long investigation into a hit-and-run in Yelm — that killed a dog and seriously injured a pedestrian — was solved with the arrest of the suspect on Sunday.

In October 2025, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputies responded to a report of a hit-and-run on Yelm Highway S.E., TCSO announced.

The driver struck the pedestrian, Andy, and his dog, Kevin, in the crosswalk before fleeing the scene. The crosswalk was well-lit with a flashing signal when Andy and Kevin were crossing, and Andy was wearing a light-up walking vest, according to the family’s GoFundMe page.

“Multiple cars were stopped, but a speeding gray Kia-like Sedan blasted through the crosswalk, stopped briefly after striking them, and then took off,” Andy’s wife, Annie, stated in the post.

Injured dog rushed to vet by Good Samaritan but succumbed to injuries

Andy was treated for several injuries while in the hospital, including minor abrasions, a sore back, three broken ribs, and a broken foot.

“We are beyond lucky that [Andy] was not more seriously injured,” Annie stated. “Kevin was not so lucky. An incredibly kind and caring citizen found Kevin and rushed him to the local emergency vet. Devastatingly, Kevin was pronounced deceased from internal injuries.”

That same night, TCSO was assisted by the Puyallup Police Department, who received a Flock Safety camera hit for the suspect vehicle. Law enforcement located the unoccupied vehicle a few days later and seized it as evidence.

For months, TCSO continued to investigate the incident and executed several search warrants. Last week, the sheriff’s office established probable cause for a suspect.

Deputies made contact with the suspect’s family and coordinated a surrender. The suspect was later booked into jail.

The family’s GoFundMe has raised nearly all of its $7,500 goal as of this reporting. Donations will go toward covering the costs of Kevin’s cremation, the accumulated costs of Andy’s emergency room visits, CT scan, and surgery. The remaining funds will be donated to the Tacoma Humane Society.

“The community has wrapped its arms around us in this time and has been incredible in helping us shoulder everything going on in this emotional time,” Annie stated. “It hasn’t been easy, and we have quite the road in front of us; it would be nearly impossible without all of you. Thank you.”

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.