SEATTLE, WA – A tragic incident unfolded when an elderly woman lost her life during a violent carjacking. The Seattle Police Department reported that they received calls about a carjacking in the Madison Valley neighborhood around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered a woman lying in the street, with a bystander attempting to perform CPR.
The victim was identified as 80-year-old Ruth Dalton, a beloved figure in the community known for her business, Grandma’s Critter Care. According to Detective Eric Muñoz, Dalton was not merely defending her vehicle during the carjacking, but was also fighting for the safety of several dogs in her care at the time. In the ensuing struggle, Dalton was dragged by her vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
Witnesses to the horrific event recounted the carjacker backing over Dalton before fleeing the scene. Despite the efforts of bystanders and the Seattle Fire Department, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Some of the dogs managed to escape from the vehicle during the incident, while others were still inside as the carjacker sped away.
In a twist of fate, police later responded to a report of a deceased dog and discovered Dalton’s abandoned vehicle in a neighborhood approximately five miles from the initial crime scene. The incident has sparked a citywide manhunt for the carjacker, with the police treating the case as a homicide.
Despite the tragic event, local resident Laura Dynan defended the city of Seattle against claims of rampant crime. She emphasized the community’s response to the incident, noting that everyone came out to help Dalton. She urged people to focus on the community’s spirit of unity and assistance in the face of such a horrific event.
The Seattle Police Department continues to actively search for the perpetrator and is urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident has left a deep impact on the community, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and safety measures.