Second pedestrian dies after Vancouver crosswalk crash

Two pedestrians have died after a Jeep struck a Toyota and flipped into a Vancouver crosswalk, police said. A 34-year-old woman died at the scene of the Oct. 5 crash. A 43-year-old man was taken to a hospital in critical condition; police said on Oct. 7 that he had died from his injuries.

The collision happened at about 9:45 p.m. at NE Andresen Road and NE Van Mall Drive. Police said a southbound Jeep ran a red light and hit a westbound Toyota RAV4 that had a green light. The Jeep then flipped into the south crosswalk, where the two pedestrians were crossing with the signal. That sequence and the signal information are police’s account of the crash.

Police announce charge update

Police identified the Jeep’s driver as 26-year-old Noah Merchant and said he was arrested and booked into Clark County Jail. The department initially listed offenses including driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and reckless driving. In its Oct. 7 update, police said the vehicular-assault charge would be updated to vehicular homicide.

The Clark County jail roster shows a booking for Merchant dated Oct. 6 and lists vehicular homicide. KPTV reported that bail was set at $600,000 on Oct. 6. The police update describes an announced change to a charge; these details do not establish a final court filing or disposition. An arrest and listed offenses are not findings of guilt.

Police also said the Jeep’s 20-year-old woman passenger was arrested for minor in possession. The department said its Traffic Unit investigation is continuing. Police did not report a further update in the Oct. 7 notice.