SEATTLE — A 74-year-old Seattle man is facing serious charges after allegedly driving a motorhome while intoxicated, striking several vehicles, and ultimately causing a fatal hit-and-run that left a woman pinned under a truck in the Skyway neighborhood.
Daniel R. Hayes, 74, was arrested by the King County Sheriff’s Office on July 25, one day after the crash that killed Susana Garcia-Perez, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts.
Deadly Chaos in Skyway
The tragic sequence of events unfolded just before midnight on July 24. Deputies were dispatched to the 11000 block of 68th Avenue South after reports that a woman had been struck by a vehicle. Witnesses described a chaotic scene involving a recreational vehicle (RV) crashing into multiple parked cars and trucks.
One of the impacted trucks rolled and pinned Garcia-Perez beneath its wheel, causing fatal injuries. Emergency crews from Skyway Fire Department arrived and used an emergency jack to lift the truck in an attempt to save her, but she had already succumbed to her injuries.
Surveillance Footage and Witnesses Provide Clarity
Nearby surveillance footage from a Grocery Outlet confirmed that the RV struck several vehicles before leaving the scene without stopping. An employee from the store told investigators that a man matching Hayes’ description had come in that evening to purchase a six-pack of beer, shortly before the incident.
Hayes’ wife also cooperated with authorities, revealing that her husband had recently bought the motorhome and had likely been the one driving it at the time of the crash. She expressed concern that he had been intoxicated.
Hayes Located the Next Day
Washington State Troopers stopped Hayes the following day while he was still driving the damaged RV. At first, Hayes denied any involvement, claiming someone had hit the vehicle while it was parked. But when shown surveillance stills from the store, Hayes admitted to purchasing and drinking six beers, saying he didn’t remember anything afterward.
When troopers informed him that his actions had led to a woman’s death, Hayes reportedly began to cry, stating, “I didn’t know.”
Evidence Confirms Connection
Court documents revealed that collision debris recovered from the scene matched damage on Hayes’ RV. This physical evidence, along with witness statements and video footage, firmly tied Hayes to the incident.
During a Saturday court hearing, a judge found probable cause to charge Hayes with:
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Vehicular Homicide
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Hit-and-Run Resulting in Death
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Reckless Driving
Hayes remains in custody as the investigation continues and prosecutors prepare formal charges.
Community Impact
The Skyway community is mourning the sudden and violent loss of Susana Garcia-Perez, while residents express frustration over the dangers posed by impaired drivers. The case also raises broader concerns about road safety and accountability for drivers of large vehicles like RVs.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional footage or witness information to contact the King County Sheriff’s Office as they build their case.
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