SPOKANE, Wash. — The suspect arrested following a hit-and-run incident on East Broadway Avenue in January may have his charges upgraded.
According to the Spokane Valley Police Department (SVPD), investigators have requested to have 64-year-old John R. Townshend's charges upgraded after the victim died at the hospital from her injuries.
The incident occurred on January 24, leaving the woman hospitalized. Townshend was reportedly contacted by deputies following a long investigation involving vehicle parts left at the scene and camera footage. Investigators were able to narrow their search to Townshend's 2014 Jeep Wrangler, which had damage to its right front fender, matching the parts located at the collision scene.
On Monday, January 29, Townshend was arrested for an unrelated misdemeanor theft warrant with his Jeep seized as evidence. While being questioned, the 64-year-old admitted he tried to avoid the woman, but clipped her. He told investigators he turned around to look for her, but assumed she ran off to the Rodeway Inn, where she was staying.
Townshend was ultimately arrested for failing to remain at the scene or contact police following the hit-and-run. At this time, he remains booked in the Spokane County Jail on his original hit-and-run charge and three unrelated theft charges. His total bond is set at $27,750.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office will release the identity of the victim and manner of death at a later time, according to SVPD.
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