Man seriously injured in one-car collision

Police are searching for a possible witness to a single-car crash on New Year's Eve that sent the 21-year-old driver to the hospital with serious injuries.

January 3, 2011 3:12 pm
This Jeep Cherokee was badly damaged and the driver sent to the hospital with severe head injuries following a crash into a light pole and then a tree on New Year's Eve. Police are searching for the driver of a Honda or Toyota that may have seen the crash.
This Jeep Cherokee was badly damaged and the driver sent to the hospital with severe head injuries following a crash into a light pole and then a tree on New Year's Eve. Police are searching for the driver of a Honda or Toyota that may have seen the crash.

Police are searching for a possible witness to a single-car crash on New Year’s Eve that sent the 21-year-old driver to the hospital with serious injuries.

Surveillance footage showed the presence of a beige Toyota or Honda driving near the Jeep Cherokee when the crash occurred at 1:15 a.m. when the Jeep was traveling eastbound on Northeast Eighth approaching the light at 140th Avenue Northeast. The Jeep left the road and hit a cement light pole then struck a tree.

Witnesses reported the Honda or Toyota briefly slowed as the Jeep crashed but then continued to drive eastbound on Northeast eighth Street.

The light pole was knocked to the ground as a result of the collision.

The driver was rushed to Overlake Hospital with severe head injuries that have kept him from remembering what caused the accident. Police said speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the incident.

Investigators would like to speak to the driver and any passengers in the Toyota/Honda. Anyone with information should call Bellevue police at 425-452-6940.