UPDATE: Fatal Auto/Pedestrian Crash on E. Sprague
Traffic Unit Investigators Work to Identify Driver of Dark-Colored Truck
Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Investigators are attempting to identify the driver of a dark-colored truck who may have information that could be helpful in the investigation.
Investigators want to identify and talk to the driver of what appears to be a dark-color full-sized pickup truck that was traveling west on Sprague, near Chronicle, just after a van struck and killed a pedestrian on January 15, 2022, at approximately 5:50 p.m.
The driver of the van, 40-year-old Michael J. Schuk, was believed to be impaired at the time of the crash and was arrested, charged with Vehicular Assault.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help identifying the driver of the dark-colored truck that one witness described as possibly a newer Ford F150. It is possible the driver of the may not have known what occurred moments prior to driving through the scene but Investigators would like to interview them regarding the incident.
If you are the driver of the vehicle or can help identify the driver, you are asked to asked to contact Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Corporal Todd Miller at 509-477-3195.
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Press release sent on January 15, 2022:
Fatal Auto/Pedestrian Crash on E. Sprague
Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Investigators are at the scene of a fatal auto/pedestrian collision on E. Sprague Avenue, west of S. Chronicle Road, in Spokane Valley. The adult male driver of the vehicle is believed to be impaired and has been arrested, charged with vehicular homicide.
On January 15, 2022, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputies were called to the scene of a reported auto/pedestrian collision on E. Sprague Avenue, west of S. Chronicle Road.
Initial information indicates the adult female victim was crossing Sprague, from south to north, when she was struck by a 2005 Chevrolet van traveling east. The driver of the van, 40-year-old Michael J. Schuk, remained at the scene, where he was contacted by responding Deputies.
The adult female pedestrian received severe life-threatening injuries. Spokane Valley Fire personnel provided emergency medical treatment, and she was transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Traffic Unit Investigators were called to the scene to determine what caused this fatal crash.
During the investigation, probable cause was developed to believe Schuk was impaired at the time of the collision, and a search warrant for a blood sample was obtained. Schuk was arrested for Vehicular Homicide and will be booked into the Spokane County Jail.
With the assistance of SIRT Team Volunteers, Sprague Avenue, between S. Carnahan Road and S. Custer Road, is closed to traffic in both directions. The roadway will remain closed for several hours as the investigation is conducted.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the decedent's name at a later time, when appropriate.
Anyone who witnessed this incident but has not been contacted by investigators is asked to contact Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Corporal Todd Miller at 509-477-3195.
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