CRIME BLOTTER

Seattle police say van with kids inside catches fire after man rams it

Oct 6, 2025, 5:51 AM

fire van with kids seattle...

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said a 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly ramming his SUV into a van with a family inside on Saturday evening.

At around 5:30 p.m., crews responded to the crash in the Wallingford neighborhood near Meridian Avenue N. and N. 40th Street.

A couple in their 40s driving a minivan with two young girls, aged 7 and 10, had allegedly been hit by a man driving the SUV, according to SPD.



Police said the two cars were at an impasse because of the narrow roadway while driving on Meridian Avenue N.

The driver of the van reportedly tried to find a place to pull over, but said the man in the SUV became angry, flipped them off, and allegedly rammed into the front of their van.

Seattle police said the impact caused the van to catch fire, but the family of four was not injured.

The driver of the SUV was arrested at the scene without incident and was booked into the King County Jail, charged with four counts of assault with a deadly weapon and property destruction, according to SPD.



 

Crime Blotter

Renton ghost gun...

Julia Dallas

Officers find ghost gun hidden in toilet after arrest of Renton teen

Officers found a ghost gun with a 30-round magazine in the home of a Renton teen.

2 hours ago

Stock image of activated lights atop a police vehicle. (Mynorthwest file photo)...

Frank Lenzi

Bothell man charged with murder in alleged premeditated attack on his wife

A Bothell man is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing his wife.

3 hours ago

Seattle Police Capitol Hill scooter stabbing...

Jason Sutich

Suspect escapes on scooter after Capitol Hill knife attack

A suspect who stabbed a 42-year-old man in Capitol Hill remains on the loose after he fled the scene on a scooter on Thursday.

5 hours ago

WSP Dean Atkinson Jr. shot sentenced...

Jason Sutich

‘Dangerous individual’ who shot WSP trooper sentenced to more than 25 years

The man who shot Washington State Patrol Trooper Dean Atkinson in the face and hand in 2022 was sentenced to more than 25 years on Thursday.

12 hours ago

Seattle officer-involved shooting...

Julia Dallas

Man armed with knife, axe killed in Seattle officer-involved shooting

A man armed with a weapon was killed in a Seattle officer-involved shooting.

1 day ago

stolen dog...

Julia Dallas

‘The owner is heartbroken’: Police seek public’s help finding stolen dog

The Seattle Police Department is asking people to look out for a stolen dog.

1 day ago

Seattle police say van with kids inside catches fire after man rams it