PORT ORCHARD, Wash. - Police say it appears a 17-year-old Port Orchard teenager was deliberately hit by driver and the community is in shock.
The teen was on his way home from volunteering at the South Kitsap Food Bank on Wednesday when it happened.
On Saturday, Jennifer Hardison prepared for the big celebration, the food bank's 30th anniversary, but her mind was on her best volunteer, now in the hospital after a devastating and random act.
"When it's an accident you say it's really awful, but this way it's doubly awful because it didn't have to happen," she said.
It was Wednesday afternoon and the 17-year-old was crossing an intersection at Bay Street and Seattle Avenue, when police say it appears a 33-year-old Silverdale man intentionally swerved his SUV and hit the teenager.
The driver, according to police, said the teen was too close to the white line.
Beverely Burskens feels like she could have prevented it.
"He was riding his bike after a long day and I asked him if he wanted a ride but he had to follow his mother's rules, but I'm feeling a little guilty that I didn't push," she said.
The South Kitsap High School student loved volunteering, tending to the garden and strumming his guitar. His presence is sorely missed.
"He's a special young man and he enriches our lives to no end," said Burskens.
The teen is in serious condition.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of assault. He had apparently been cited about 45 minutes earlier for speeding a few blocks away.
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