The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office released the name of the woman who was hit and killed while crossing the street at Third Ave. and Division St. this week.
The Medical Examiner's Office says 50-year-old Patti Jo Hill died from bilateral rib fractures due to the impact to her chest. Mechanical compression of the chest and neck were also listed as contributing factors in her death.
The man accused of running over and killing Hill told officers at the scene that he knew his van had brake problems, but continued to drive it, according to court documents.
Witnesses told officers that around 10 am Monday, they saw Michael Lucey driving his brown Ford Econoline northbound on Division going about 35 to 40 miles per hour. He then allegedly hit two vehicles waiting at a red light and then ran the same red light at Third Avenue before striking Hill in the cross walk head-on. Witnesses say they didn't see Lucey apply the brakes until he was about 5 feet into the intersection. After the collision, they allegedly saw him get out of the van and run east toward Frankie Doodle's.
Hill died at the scene.
When officers arrived, they found Lucey detained by an off-duty deputy. According to court documents, Lucey told officers he knew the van's brakes were not working properly for about two weeks. He said he added brake fluid to the reservoir a couple of days before the collision and continued to drive the van.
Lucey was arrested and charged with Vehicular Homicide. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday and bond was set at $25,000.
(story and photo: KHQ.com)