Kent Police investigate the scene of a crash that killed a pedestrian on Pacific Highway South. The driver of the vehicle who struck the pedestrian also hit a tree and another car before landing on its side. COURTESY PHOTO

Kent Police investigate the scene of a crash that killed a pedestrian on Pacific Highway South. The driver of the vehicle who struck the pedestrian also hit a tree and another car before landing on its side. COURTESY PHOTO

Speeding motorist strikes, kills elderly pedestrian on Pac Highway

70-year-old man hit by 21-year-old driver

Kent Police are investigating the death of a 70-year-old Federal Way man who was struck by a speeding vehicle while walking on a sidewalk during Wednesday afternoon rush hour on Pacific Highway South.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly was seen speeding and weaving in and out of traffic in the 27000 block on southbound Pacific Highway South near the South 272nd Street intersection around 5:16 p.m. As the vehicle attempted to avoid colliding with another vehicle, it swerved toward the sidewalk, striking the man, police said. The vehicle then struck a tree, flipped, landed on the trunk of another vehicle and came to rest on its side.

The pedestrian was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died from his injuries, police said. The King County Medical Examiner’s office identified the victim as Benito Castillo Rojas.

A passenger in the speeding vehicle was injured and taken to a hospital. There was no information on the passenger’s condition.

The driver of the vehicle, a 21-year-old Federal Way man, suffered minor injuries. Officers arrested the man, with charges pending as traffic investigators continue to work the case, police said.

There were no other injuries reported.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
Kent receives $1.1M grant for Pacific Highway pedestrian crossing

Federal funds will pay for safety improvements near South 246th Street

t
Kent-based Toys for Joy program provides for 1,500 children

Puget Sound Fire collects more than 6,000 toys and stocking stuffers from community donations

t
Kent man, 34, shot and injured at sports bar on East Hill

Early Sunday morning, Dec. 22 at 25626 102nd Place SE

t
Kent Police Detective Ford retires after 29 years with department

Helped solve 44-year-old cold case murder in 2024

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20