Cabbie's quick thinking catches hit-and-run driver

06:28 PM PST on Saturday, February 12, 2005

By HEATHER FILKINS / KING 5 News

SEATTLE - Seattle police say the quick actions of a taxicab driver helped them nab a dangerous hit-and-run driver within minutes of the crime.

The driver is now under arrest but the victim's long road to recovery is just beginning.

Bonni Suval doesn't remember the accident that nearly took her life Wednesday. The lead singer of a band, she had returned to Seattle for just a few days to celebrate the release of her newest album.

The accident will keep the 25-year old in Seattle much longer than planned.

Early Wednesday morning, a hit-and run driver plowed into Suval and left her for dead. She had several broken bones, a broken clavicle, a fractured skull and a fractured femur.

KING

Bonni Suval

Her friend Joel Bergstrom watched the car slam into her, and saw it take off. But he wasn't the only one.

A yellow taxi cab driver named Tony saw it too and decided to follow the suspect for many miles -- through Capitol Hill, onto the freeway and then onto the West Seattle bridge.

"We're very appreciative of everybody that's contributed and given their support and helping, without any thought of themselves,” Bergstrom said.

Tony didn't want to go on camera but Seattle police said he needs to be commended for his actions, as not everyone would have gone to those lengths to help catch a criminal.

Suval's doctors said she'll be in the trauma unit for at least another week and then she'll require at least two months more of hospice care.

Because she has no health insurance, her friends have set up a benefit account. You can donate at any Washington Mutual location.