Van crashes into Ross store in Washington state; several people injured

BURIEN, Wash. — A van crashed through the front window and check stand of a Ross Dress for Less store in Washington, injuring 11 people, including a 2-year-old boy who was hit by the van while he was in his stroller, deputies said.

The crash, which left three people critically injured, happened around 9:15 p.m. Monday on the 15800 block of 1st Avenue. Investigators said that before the crash, a woman was seen shoplifting before leaving the store.

According to Sgt. Ryan Abbott with the King County Sheriff’s Office, the woman ran from the store and got inside the passenger seat of a 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-TV that 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.

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