SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Spokane Valley Traffic Unit investigators have located and arrested the suspect in a hit-and-run that took place January 24 on East Broadway Avenue.
Sixty-four-year-old John R. Townshend was arrested for felony hit-and-run Monday and transported to Spokane County Jail on that charge and a prior misdemeanor warrant.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the woman injured in the hit-and-run is still in the hospital. She is listed as being in critical condition, but is reported to be stable as of Tuesday, January 30, according to deputies.
Townshend was reportedly contacted by deputies following a long investigation involving vehicle parts left at the scene of the hit-and-run 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.
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