Vehicle/Pedestrian Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash
Vehicle/Pedestrian Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash
Driver Located and Arrested for Vehicular Homicide
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit continues to investigate a deadly auto/pedestrian crash that occurred near N. Perry Road and E. Appaloosa Lane. The adult female victim was transported to the hospital with what appeared to be life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved did not stay at the scene as required by law, nor did he attempt to render aid. Investigators were notified that, despite all efforts, the victim succumbed to her injuries. The suspect driver was initially arrested for Vehicular Assault, but the charges were upgraded to Vehicular Homicide after receiving the tragic news that the victim had died as a result of her injuries.
On September 1, 2026, at approximately 7:50 pm, Spokane County Deputies responded to a vehicle/pedestrian collision near N. Perry Road and E. Appaloosa Lane. Callers advised the suspect vehicle fled the scene and the adult female victim, who was seriously injured, was lying in the road.
Deputies arrived to begin the investigation, and medical personnel attended to the victim, who was transported to the hospital with what appeared to be possible life-threatening injuries.
Due to the serious nature of this incident, Traffic Unit Investigators responded to the scene.
Deputies noticed a gray Ford Ranger with damage consistent with the evidence at the scene and contacted the driver, later identified as 78-year-old John F. Bligh. The Deputy spoke with Bligh, who admitted to consuming alcohol earlier but denied being involved in a collision of any kind.
A Traffic Unit Deputy, trained as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), responded to evaluate whether Bligh was impaired and able to operate a motor vehicle safely. With the information learned from Bligh, coupled with the Deputy’s observations, he obtained a search warrant to collect a sample of Bligh’s blood for later testing.
Initial information indicates Bligh was driving his Ranger north on Perry Road at a high rate of speed when he struck the victim, who was crossing Perry from west to east. Bligh then continued north, fleeing the scene. Minutes later, Bligh returned to the area, now driving at or near the speed limit (25 mph), where the Deputy contacted him.
Bligh was arrested for Vehicular Assault, but when the information was received that the victim succumbed to her injuries, that charge was upgraded to Vehicular Homicide.
Bligh was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Vehicular Homicide, Hit-and-Run Causing Injury/Death, and Reckless Driving.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the victim, along with her cause and manner of death, when appropriate.
This remains an active investigation; no further information is available.
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