Victim in Burien Ross crash released; 2-year-old grandson remains in hospital

BURIEN, Wash. — A grandfather injured during a crash at the Ross Dress for Less store in Burien is now out of the hospital with a long road to recovery.

“I don’t feel complete,” Obdulio Chiche said.

>>RELATED: Van crashes into Ross store in Burien; several people injured

Chiche was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve. He’s still in a lot of pain. He has a broken leg, bruises and scratches all over his body, but that’s not what’s hurting him the most.

“My heart for the baby is the problem. All the family is destroyed, too, for that,” Chiche added.

Chiche and his 2-year-old grandson, David, were critically injured when a van plowed through at the Ross Dress for Less store in Burien last Monday. David was pinned in his stroller underneath the van and didn’t have a pulse when first responders got to the scene. He was revived, but he’s been fighting for his life at Harborview Medical Center ever since.

“Every moment thinking about him because I see him and everything. That’s why I’m here but not happy. Not happy that David is not here,” Chiche said.

Chiche shared video of David going on a stroll around the hospital. He said David is awake and improving but will likely be in the hospital for another three months. He’s still a far cry from the energetic, happy and loving little boy that Chiche said couldn’t wait to celebrate Christmas. Understandably, even though Chiche got to spend the holiday at home with family, he just wasn’t in the spirit.

“It’s no good, no happy. No Christmas for me this year,” Chiche said.

Presents for David still sit under the Christmas tree.

Deputies also dropped off a stroller, along with other toys for David, on Christmas Day.

“I thank you for a lot of people bless for the baby. And hoping, too, because he needs a lot of bless for him,” added Chiche.

Officers will be collecting donations for the family until Jan. 2, 2020.

As for suspects, investigators arrested a man and woman. They say the woman shoplifted from the store and the van’s getaway driver was on meth when he crashed. He faces several charges, including vehicular assault.

The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with medical expenses.

>>RELATED: “It didn’t feel real:” Store worker shares survival story after van plows through building

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