KENT, Wash. — A 22-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after he hit a student in a crosswalk on campus at Kent Meridian High School.
Police say Hamadah Omer was traveling at a high speed when he entered the school parking lot, lost control and hit a 16-year-old student.
According to court documents Omer's car likely went airborne in the seconds before the crash. They say Omer told them he was trying to beat the red light and sped up as he entered campus. The incident was captured on school surveillance cameras.
Omer's siblings showed up at his bail hearing to show support. They were outspoken that they are more worried about the victim right now.
"My brother is not important. What is important is the kid becomes good and healthy like before," said Abdul Kader Omer, the driver's older brother, " We are very sorry about what happened."
The teen was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he had brain surgery Wednesday afternoon.
Omer was not injured in the collision. He passed field sobriety tests, and investigators say speed was the main factor in the crash.
Omer graduated from Kent Meridian High School last year and is a student at Highline Community College.
He does not have a criminal history or any driving infractions, according to his attorney. Omer's bail was set at $5,000 and he was ordered not to drive.
Officials with the hospital say the teen is in critical condition.
His injuries are life-threatening.
The collision occurred on Wednesday afternoon around 1 p.m.
A 22-year-old #Kent, Wash. man has been arrested after striking a 16-year-old boy in a crosswalk -- this afternoon at...
Posted by KIRO 7 News on Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Students didn't have classes, it was a teacher work day. Witnesses thought the students on campus were athletes leaving a practice.
This is the second critical accident on campus in less than a year.
Last spring, senior Lupo Benson was killed in a car surfing incident.
His best friend, Tyler Reber, was behind the wheel.
Reber pleaded guilty to reckless driving last November and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and is not allowed to drive for a year.
If he violates the terms, he'll go to jail for a year.
Cox Media Group
