Scooter Rider Dies in Vehicle Crash

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  An adult male scooter rider died after a collision with a Tesla“Fatal Vehicle-Scooter Crash in Spokane ValleyThe Spokane Valley Traffic Unit continues to investigate a vehicle-scooter crash that resulted in the death of the adult male rider of the scooter.”
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  The collision occurred on S. Flora Road in Spokane Valley“On September 12, 2026, at approximately 12:35 am, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the 100 block of S. Flora Road for what was originally reported as a vehicle/pedestrian collision.”
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  The incident occurred on September 12, 2026“On September 12, 2026, at approximately 12:35 am, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the 100 block of S. Flora Road for what was originally reported as a vehicle/pedestrian collision.”
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  The incident occurred at 12:35 a.m.“On September 12, 2026, at approximately 12:35 am, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the 100 block of S. Flora Road for what was originally reported as a vehicle/pedestrian collision.”
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  The incident occurred when 18-year-old Phillip M. Ragland Jr. struck the rider“The driver, identified as 18-year-old Phillip M. Ragland Jr., remained at the scene and cooperated with Investigators. Initial information indicates Ragland was driving a Tesla south on Flora Road from E. Sprague Avenue. The victim was riding a scooter on the Appleway Trail from west to east when the collision with the Tesla driven by Ragland occurred.”
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  Phillip M. Ragland Jr. was driving south on Flora Road from E. Sprague Avenue“Initial information indicates Ragland was driving a Tesla south on Flora Road from E. Sprague Avenue.”
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  The victim was transported to a hospital“the victim was transported to the hospital for additional care.”
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  The victim later succumbed to injuries“Unfortunately, later that morning, despite all efforts to save the victim’s life, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.”
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  Ragland was initially charged with DUI“Suspecting that Ragland was impaired, Deputies, who are also Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), conducted field sobriety evaluations. At the conclusion, they believed Ragland was impaired, and they placed him under arrest for DUI.”
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  Field sobriety tests suggested impairment“Suspecting that Ragland was impaired, Deputies, who are also Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), conducted field sobriety evaluations. At the conclusion, they believed Ragland was impaired, and they placed him under arrest for DUI.”
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  Ragland's charge was upgraded to vehicular homicide“Ragland’s charge was upgraded to Vehicular Homicide.”
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  Ragland was released on a $10,000 bond after posting bail“During a probable cause review over the weekend, Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner N. Swennumson set Ragland’s bond at $10,000. Later that afternoon, Ragland posted bond and was released from custody.”
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  The Spokane County Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death“The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the decedent, along with his cause and manner of death, when appropriate.”