We appreciate the community’s patience, as we thoroughly investigated this incident. The unusual duration was due to a number of factors, including the number of vehicles, people involved, high number of potential witnesses, multiple official statements, additional video evidence, and, in some cases, conflicting information and reports. Nearly all of the vehicles and people involved left the scene and initially refused to file a report or return to talk with our officers. Consequently, it took our officers longer than usual to gather all of the evidence and information necessary to file a complete and accurate report on the basis of evidence and facts.
Having concluded the investigation, Bothell Police has forwarded recommendations regarding charges to the city prosecutor’s office.
Our recommendations include a charge against the individual who was driving northbound on 19th Avenue SE. Additional charges were recommended for other individuals involved in the collision. It is up to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether to move forward with any of our recommendations regarding charges.
Bothell Police also issued two infractions (traffic tickets) to two individuals for negligent driving, related to illegally blocking the opposing lanes of traffic and actions they took at the scene of the collision.
We understand that this incident drew a lot of attention. We hope you’ll understand that our job in law enforcement remains the same, regardless of any resulting response on social media or elsewhere: To gather facts and examine all evidence. Only through doing this work - can we truly serve justice and our community. We thank you again for your patience and your support.
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Initial Statement Posted Feb. 1, 2021
"I understand that people have questions after a collision during a march in Bothell on Saturday. Some have stated, incorrectly, that we talked with the driver, then "just let her go." This is not true. After responding within thirty seconds of the collision, our officers decided to move the driver, to deescalate the situation. This investigation remains open and ongoing. We ask other involved drivers to come forward and talk with us. And we ask for a little patience while we investigate." - Bothell Police Chief Ken Seuberlich
At 3:18pm on Saturday, January 30, Bothell Police responded to reports of a collision on 19th Ave SE in the 24300 block.
The incident happened as dozens of marchers, along with accompanying cars and bicyclists, travelled south on 19th Ave SE, taking up both lanes.
Several drivers, not involved with the march, appear to have been caught off-guard by the event, resulting in some verbal confrontations. One 64 year old female driver allegedly side-swiped several vehicles in an attempt to get around or through the march.
There were no reported injuries and four Bothell Police officers responded to investigate the incident.
The female driver remained in the area to be questioned. Officers instructed her to move to a different location, where they took her information. Officers who spoke with the woman say she apparently felt trapped and was trying to get away when she collided with other cars surrounding her. Officers attempted to gather information from the other drivers (whose vehicles sustained damage) but they did not stay and speak with officers, opting instead to continue with the march.
The investigation remains open. Bothell Police is reviewing all evidence, including video from the scene. We are interested in speaking with the other drivers involved to complete our investigation. They are encouraged to contact us at (425) 486-1254 or Sergeant Rogers at (425)487-5545.