Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

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  A 78-year-old driver was arrested for vehicular homicide“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.”
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  A pedestrian collision near N. Perry Road and E. Appaloosa Lane resulted in a fatality“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.”
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  The Spokane County Sheriff's Office reported the incident“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.”
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  John F. Bligh, 78, was initially arrested for vehicular assault“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.”
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  Charges against John F. Bligh were upgraded to vehicular homicide“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.”
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  The victim succumbed to life-threatening injuries“Investigators were notified that, despite all efforts, the victim succumbed to her injuries.”
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  The incident occurred September 1, 2026“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.”
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  The incident occurred at 7:50 p.m.“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.”
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  John F. Bligh struck an adult female pedestrian crossing Perry Road from west to east“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.”
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  John F. Bligh fled the scene“The driver of the vehicle involved did not stay at the scene as required by law, nor did he attempt to render aid.”
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  John F. Bligh later returned at 25 mph“Minutes later, Bligh returned to the area, now driving at or near the speed limit (25 mph), where the Deputy contacted him.”
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  Deputies stopped John F. BlighNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Initial reports indicate John F. Bligh was driving at high speed“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.”
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  John F. Bligh admitted to consuming alcohol earlier“Bligh, who admitted to consuming alcohol earlier but denied being involved in a collision of any kind.”
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  John F. Bligh denied involvement in the collision“Bligh, who admitted to consuming alcohol earlier but denied being involved in a collision of any kind.”