Authorities advise caution in wake of police-pedestrian collision

The Aberdeen Police Department is reminding both drivers and pedestrians to use caution following a minor accident involving a pedestrian and police vehicle that occurred last week.

On Jan. 17 at about 8:10 p.m., an Aberdeen police patrol vehicle was involved in a collision with a 15-year-old Aberdeen pedestrian at the intersection of 1st Street and "G" Street in the city limits of Aberdeen.

The officer, a 21 year veteran of the department, was traveling westbound on 1st Street in his marked patrol vehicle near the posted speed (25 MPH) with his headlights on when the teenager ran northbound in the crosswalk across 1st Street. The teenager and his father had been walking north up the sidewalk, and they began crossing in the crosswalk at the east side of the intersection.

When the officer saw the teenager running into the left side of his lane, the officer braked hard and steered to the right attempting to avoid a collision. The teenager struck the driver's side front quarter panel in front of the tire, spun around and went to the ground. He then stood back up under his own power, telling the officer he was "okay." The father was not struck.

As a precaution, the Aberdeen Fire Department was summoned to the scene to check the teenager who was only reporting soreness. The teenager and his father declined transport to Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

At the time of this incident, there were vehicles moving through the area from G St. on both sides of 1st St. It was windy and raining heavily. The streetlights in the area were all activated. The teenager was wearing dark clothing, with light accents around his shoulders and head. His father was wearing neutral to dark clothing.

The Aberdeen Police Department reminds pedestrians and drivers to be cautious, especially during the inclement weather of the months of winter and early spring. If walking, it is best to wear reflectorized or bright clothing for extra visibility.