Botched Burien shoplifting suspects could face vehicular assault charges after van injures 11



BURIEN, Wash. – Eleven people were hurt, including a 2-year-old boy, after police say a shoplifting attempt spiraled into a matter of life and death for shoppers.

King County Sheriff’s deputies say a van carrying a suspected shoplifter and getaway driver Lee Skelly plowed through a Ross Dress for Less store in Burien shortly after 9 p.m. Monday night.

Lee Skelly (DOL photo)



Three people are still recovering at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, including the 2-year-old boy, who was for a moment trapped in a stroller underneath that van. When medics arrived Monday night, he didn't have a pulse.

Seven more victims, including an infant, were sent to Highline Medical Center in Burien. Another victim was sent to Valley Medical Center. A King County Sheriff’s press release said those victims suffered bumps and bruises.

By Tuesday the store was boarded up and shards of glass littered the walkway. Clean-up crews spent most of the day securing the storefront while others swept debris and repaired damage inside.

“It’s unexpected,” said holiday shopper Jessica Horning. “The world’s not getting any safer or less crazy.”


Surveillance video of the crash