Protester Summer Taylor Hit, Killed by Dawit Kelete on 5 Freeway [Seattle, WA]

Protester Summer Taylor Hit, Killed by Dawit Kelete on 5 Freeway [Seattle, WA]

Summer Taylor Dead, Diaz Love Injured, Dawit Kelete Arrested in Seattle

 
SEATTLE, WA (July 8, 2020) – Police arrested a driver after he hit two people with his car during a protest on Saturday, July 4.
 
The collision took place on 5 Freeway in downtown Seattle around 1:36 a.m. when a car struck two protesters.
 
A video on social media showed a white Jaguar speeding around two cars parked across the lanes as a barrier. After that, the vehicle careened toward a small crowd of protesters on the freeway. Protesters were on the closed freeway for more than an hour protesting police brutality before the vehicle drove around the blockade.
 
The driver, 27-year-old Dawit Kelete of Seattle, hit two people who flew into the air due to the impact of the vehicle. Kelete then fled the scene.
 
24-year-old Summer Taylor of Seattle, one of the victims, had critical, life-threatening injuries. Taylor died Saturday evening at Harborview Medical Center.
 
Police identified the other victim as 32-year-old Diaz Love of Bellingham. She remains in serious condition in intensive care.
 
Authorities arrested Kelete after the accident. Kelete, who does not have a prior criminal record in Washington state, is booked into the King County Correctional Facility on two counts of vehicular assault. However, he could face upgraded charges following the death of one of the victims.
 
Troopers do not believe impairment played a role.

We at Sweet James offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Summer Taylor.

If you have suddenly lost a loved one in a car crash, reach out to the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet James. Call our offices today at (800) 975-3435 to set up a free consultation with a legal professional in your area. Click here to request a police report.