Reports are that the two had been arguing over gas money when Larkins drove over Johnson Friday night in Tacoma.

Larkins was ordered held in Pierce County jail with a $1 million bail.

PREVIOUSLY: Several media outlets are reporting that a fight over gas money led to a deadly hit-and-run in Tacoma Friday night, resulting in the death of Michelle Johnson, 45, of Burien.

According to KOMO-TV, witnesses apparently “watched in horror as the argument escalated Friday night, with one woman getting into her sport-utility vehicle and running over the other. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Denise Larkins, turned herself in and has been booked for investigation of first-degree murder.Police say the driver and victim were friends.”

The Seattle P-I reports that a witness named Rhianda Dillon said Johnson appeared drunk and had punched the driver, who then got in her SUV and ran Johnson down when she stepped into an intersection.

Larkins is scheduled to appear in Pierce County Superior Court on Monday.

As we learn more about this tragic incident, we’ll update this post.

FYI, there’s a helicopter swirling overhead…around 1st Ave SW and 128th…near Puget Sound Park, and probably over 509 as well…send the media!

We then contacted Cindi West, Public Information Officer for the King County Sheriff’s Office, who told us that the police chopper was on scene because of a hit and run at that location.

“A small Ford pickup hit a Volkswagen, then took off,” West said. “The Volkswagen owner followed the pickup, which had two occupants in it. These suspects then stopped the truck and fled on foot. They were shortly apprehended in a shed near the 13200 block of 4th Ave SW.”

The hit-and-run happened around 9:05 a.m. Monday morning near the intersection of 1st Ave South and S/SW 128th (map below).

There were no injuries, and police are still investigating.

View Larger Map

Have a news tip or story idea? Email us at editor@b-townblog.com!

Two weeks ago, we reported about a 13-year old boy getting busted for driving his drunk Dad in SeaTac; today comes word from the Washington State Patrol that a 14-year old boy drove his mother’s car without permission in a reckless manner, ending up in a hit-and-run that caused a three-car collision in Tukwila.

Police say that on Thursday (June 16) at Noon, a Toyota Celica was traveling south on I-5 near I-405 in the Tukwila area while recklessly making lane changes and weaving through traffic at high speeds. A witness who said he was driving around 65 miles per hour claims that the suspect Celica passed his car “like it was standing still.”

The Celica hit the right rear of a Toyota Tundra that was traveling in the left lane, sending both vehicles across the right lanes and into the right barrier. As the Tundra crossed the lanes it hit the left rear of a Plymouth Voyager. After striking the right barrier the Celica came to a stop blocking the second right lane before witnesses stated it attempted to flee, continuing south for a short distance before it lost control and hit the right barrier for a second time.

The driver of the Toyota Tundra suffered minor injuries. No other injuries were reported during the investigation, including to the boy’s 14-year old girlfriend who was a passenger in his car.

The 14-year old Celica driver is under investigation for Reckless Driving, Hit and Run, No Valid Operator’s License and driving without insurance. Due to his age the driver was release to his mother’s custody.

At Monday night’s (May 3) meeting, the Burien City Council honored mentally-challenged hit-and-run victim Jeff Kearney, starting off the session with a reading of a proclamation in his honor.

Accompanied by Discover Burien Event Coordinator Debra George and Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle, Kearney stood in front of the council with the aide of a walker, and appeared excited about the ceremony.

After Mayor Joan McGilton read the proclamation aloud, Kearney not only received a standing ovation, he also got a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Here’s the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, HONORING Jeff Kearney

WHEREAS, Jeff worked endlessly for Discover Burien keeping our city free of debris and trash.  He rounded up stray shopping carts and helped out at many community events including Clean Sweep, Father’s Day Car Show, 4th of July Parade, Boo in Burien, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney volunteered his time for the City of Burien and Discover Burien Farmers Market setting up tables, helping vendors set up their booths and helping Debra George with additional tasks.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney would say “Can I have just one hug”……everyone who knows Jeff knows that all he wants at the end of the day is a hug from his friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney never forgot the name of anyone he met, nor the names of their husband, brother, sister, mother, children, pets or friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney is an ambassador of Burien and White Center.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney survived despite all odds.  The victim of a hit and run accident on November 17th, 2009, Jeff continues to fight to gain back the ability to walk, talk and live his life again.  For this Jeff, we wish you all the best in your continued recuperation.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ASK ALL BURIEN CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR Jeff Kearney

For his friendly face, endless amount of energy, can-do attitude and commitment to the City of Burien community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Burien City Council urges all citizens and Business owners to join us in our expression of appreciation for his dedication and invaluable service to Burien’s Community.

Dated this 3rd day of May, 2010.

Mayor Joan McGilton

Deputy Mayor Rose Clark

Councilmember Brian Bennett

Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.

Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak

Councilmember Kathy Keene

Councilmember Gordon Shaw

City of Burien
Joan McGilton
Mayor

Here are photos from Monday night’s ceremony as taken by Scott Schaefer

With the aid of his "boss" Debra George and a walker, Jeff stood up in front of the council.

Jeff listens to Mayor McGilton read the proclamation as his Uncle Mike Lindorff, Debra George and Lucky Krakowiak look on.

After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, Jeff also received a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Jeff was all smiles after being honored by the city for which he has worked so hard.

Jeff was the victim of a hit-and-run in a White Center crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th in November. He went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest.

Kearney also helped out by regularly performing a variety of tasks at Burien’s Farmers Market, which opens its season this Thursday (May 6), and we here at The B-Town Blog look forward to seeing his smiling face there again!

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

Read our previous coverage on Jeff’s story here.

Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here), will be honored by the city of Burien at City Hall on Monday, May 3rd at 7pm for his endless hours of service to the city and his survival despite the odds.

After being struck in a crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th, Kearney went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association, keeping the city free of debris and trash. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest. Kearney also helped out by regularly performing a variety of tasks at Burien’s Farmers Market as well, and on a personal note, everyone here at The B-Town Blog looks forward to seeing him there again this summer!

The special needs 37-year-old will be honored with an official city proclamation during the Burien City Council meeting on May 3rd. The meeting will start at 7pm in the council chambers on the first floor of the joint Burien City Hall and Burien Public Library building at 400 S.W. 152nd St., Burien.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

UPDATE FRI. 3/19 2pm: Just got word from Sgt John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, who says that the suspect vehicle, “probably a white Honda Civic,” was found parked at a Burien apartment complex; no arrests have yet been made:

“Suspect vehicle (probably a white Honda Civic) struck a parked car(s), mailbox, wall etc. in the 3300 block of S. 172nd.

Car kept going.

We did find the unoccupied suspect car at a Burien apartment complex, but so far have made no arrests.”

PREVIOUSLY: A hit and run accident around dusk Thursday night (March 18) on SW 172nd in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood caused extensive damage to a parked Toyota Corolla as well as destroying a protective wall outside a house.

“We were eating dinner and we heard this incredibly loud noise,” said Rachel, who lives in the house where the wall was damaged. “I was honestly afraid that someone was driving through the wall of our home.”

In addition to damaging the parked car and retaining wall, the suspect vehicle struck a mailbox before driving off. Witnesses reportedly took down a license plate number, and the police were called. Rachel said that it took Burien Police at least two hours to respond to the scene.

“I thought our neighbors were putting their garbage out,” said Terry Haigh, another neighbor. “But then I thought ‘man, they’ve sure got a lot of garbage’ because it was really loud.”

Debris was scattered throughout the street, and a trail could be seen where the suspect car, which was allegedly driving south, struck the parked Toyota, bounced off, hit a mailbox across the street, then drove off.

This isn’t the first accident for this neighborhood, according to Rachel. About a year and a half ago, a protective wall on the other side of their property was hit and destroyed in a similar accident. The street (SW 172nd) is narrower than most, as it is an historic beachfront road that dates back to the very early days of the neighborhood.

“We’ve lived here a couple of years, and cars frequently speed down this street,” Rachel added. “And there are usually kids, joggers, pets, families and people walking around. I’m concerned for the safety of the residents here.”

Here are some pics of the scene as shot by Scott Schaefer Friday morning:

This parked blue Toyota was hit first, and according to residents, would've ended up "going into" the house if it wasn't for the protective wall.

While we were on the scene, the owner of the damaged vehicle appeared to be on the phone talking with his insurance company.

Three Tree Point's SW 172nd is a narrow beachfront street with no sidewalks, and it's very popular for joggers, families, bikers and children.

This mailbox was the last thing hit before the suspect vehicle took off.

by Scott Schaefer

We love to share good news here at The B-Town Blog, and that’s why we’re posting this update on Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

Jeff was recently discharged from Burien Nursing and Rehab, where he had been staying for the last several weeks after spending time at both Harborview and Highline Medical Center.

He is now recuperating at his home, and Burien Rehab Director Nate Neff sent us this email update:

Scott –

I just wanted to give you a quick update.

Jeff Kearney went home yesterday.

He had been wanting to go home for several days and had been vocalizing it. He has made quite the journey from his tragic accident. While here his feeding tube was removed and he began eating on his own, his cognition cleared up and he was able to clearly speak his needs and wants. Also, his strength increased greatly and he became able to propel himself in his wheelchair. He is still planning on getting some more rehab at home but Jeff was ready to go home.

We wish him the best of luck and are grateful for the opportunity to care for him.

- Nate

Hit and run victim Jeff Kearney at the Mark Restaurant Feb. 12th.

On Friday (Feb. 12th), we caught up with Jeff in person at the Mark Restaurant and Bar, where we found him enjoying a Roy Rogers drink, courtesy his good friend and Discover Burien Events Supervisor Debra George.

Jeff sat at a table near the bar, with his protective helmet sitting in a chair nearby.

We spoke with him for a few moments, mostly small talk, and noticed that his old, familiar smile was still there. We asked him how he was feeling, what he was doing, and his face lit up on the occasions we mentioned various Burien-based women and the hugs he associates with them. While a bit slow to respond, Jeff seemed keenly intent on resuming his friendly relationships with many locals, and it was an uplifting experience to see, especially considering how terribly he was struck and injured (reports say the SUV/truck that hit him was going around 35mph).

Debra George reminded us though that he still needs help walking, but is getting stronger with each day.

This man has come a long way, but he still has a way to go, and we wish him the best. We have a feeling that by the time the Farmer’s Market opens again in May that he’ll be back to his old self.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is apparently still at large. A $1,000 reward remains in effect, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle, which struck Jeff in a crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th in White Center, had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Debra George at the Mark Restaurant at (206) 241-MARK.

A hit-and-run rampage happened Monday night around 7:45pm in White Center when a van struck at least four different vehicles before fleeing to Burien.

The crime occurred at the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW Roxbury before the driver drove off and later abandoned his van in Burien.

According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department:

There was a H & R accident at 4th & Roxbury last night about 7:45 PM.

The driver of the other car was taken to Harborview with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect vehicle took off striking a car, (causing considerable damage) at Olson & Myers Way, then continuing southbound.

My understanding is that other cars were hit as well as it drove on.

The suspect car finally pulled into a random driveway at SW 130th and 8th Ave South.

The driver and two passengers fled on foot and could not be located, even with a K-9 dog.

The suspect vehicle was a 2000 Toyota Siena.

The hit and run driver is still at large, and the reasoning for the crime is still undetermined.

Lots of Readers have been asking about Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here) and has been staying at BTB Advertiser

Debra George says:

Jeff is doing better and although his memory comes and goes he seems to be having better days.

They say he will be able to walk well enough to be discharged from his current rehab facility in two weeks.

He then will enter another rehab facility for three weeks where they will work on motor skills.

They think he will be able to go home after that, and continue with some outpatient treatment.

Once he is out, I am planning on picking him up and bringing him into Burien everyday just so he can go to some of his familiar places.

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.

Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here) has been moved to BTB Advertiser

Jeff was moved from Highline’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila to Burien Rehab just before Christmas.

Debra George says:

They are working on getting him walking and moving his right side better.

He is beginning to eat on his own some.

And Burien Rehab’s Nate Neff adds:

Jeff is here and we are happy to have him.

Jeff arrived just before Christmas on Dec. 23. and has adjusted to Burien Rehab and this new setting.

He is currently making gradual improvements and participates in physical and occupational therapy daily.

The therapy team is working on Jeff’s ability to stand as well as his hand eye coordination.

Jeff continues to progress and we enjoy having him here.

Here’s a pic of Jeff courtesy Burien Rehab – check out his groovy goatee!:

Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.