Woman’s SUV speeds out of control on Island Crest Way

August 18, 2017 1:30 am
The driver of this vehicle called 911 while speeding down Island Crest Way, as her accelerator was stuck. Photo courtesy of MIPD
The driver of this vehicle called 911 while speeding down Island Crest Way, as her accelerator was stuck. Photo courtesy of MIPD

A woman took a terrifying ride down Island Crest Way last week, according to the Mercer Island Police Department.

MIPD patrol units were made aware of a driver having mechanical problems with her vehicle at about 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 12. She had exited from Interstate 90 westbound to Island Crest Way, and was reporting that her accelerator was stuck.

The 54-year-old driver attempted to apply the parking brake and use the brake pedal to keep the vehicle at a slow speed. As the brakes heated up, the efficiency diminished as she continued to head southbound on Island Crest Way.

The driver was on the phone with a 911 operator explaining the issues as officers attempted to catch up to her. At the advice of the 911 operator, she eventually turned off the vehicle using the key and the vehicle came to a stop in the 7900 block of Island Crest Way.

The driver ran a few traffic lights and stop signs during the ordeal, and speeds exceeded 45 miles per hour. Officers at the scene were unable to determine the cause of the mechanical failure, and the driver arranged for the vehicle to be towed. There were no injuries during this event.

For more information, see www.facebook.com/MercerIslandEmergencyPreparedness.