Alfred James Becker Arrested after Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Near Des Moines Memorial Drive and Eastbound 518
SEATAC, WA (January 2, 2018) – Early Friday morning Around 1:47 AM, a fatal hit-and-run accident took place on the eastbound State Route 518 on-ramp from Des Moines Memorial Drive South.
A black 1996 Chevrolet BLazer SUV was pulled over on the right shoulder of the 518 Highway after running out of gas. 44-year-old passenger, Joshua Coley, was attempting to put gasoline in the SUV, when a truck veered off the road and struck him. The driver fled from the scene after shearing the passenger’s side of the Chevy, and leaving a bag of rugby balls behind.
Troopers and medics arrived at the scene of the accident shortly after for investigation and medical treatment of the victim. Coley suffered critical injuries, and was rushed to the Harborview Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Because of a tweet from a trooper, 30-year-old Renton man, Alfred James Becker, was arrested and taken into custody at the King County Jail. Tips on social media from the rugby community led to the discovery of the hidden hit-and-run vehicle. The red truck was reported to have been carefully hidden for over 19 hours. Becker contacted his lawyer and turned himself into the police; he now faces the maximum 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
According to WSP Trooper Rick Johnson, the ramp was closed for about four hours as officials investigated and conducted interviews, cleared the road from the wreckage, and transported the victim.
Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joshua Coley.
If you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet Law Group. We promise to fight until we get the compensation and justice that is owed to you and your family. Our legal team has the experience and resources to win your case, and will work 24/7 until we do. Call us at (800) 203-3061 for a free initial meeting with an attorney near you.