Pedestrian struck on Boulder Highway

Stephen Curran

Friday, May 21, 2004 | 9:46 a.m.

A valley woman was in critical condition on a ventilator this morning at University Medical Center after she ran into a crosswalk and was hit by a sport-utility vehicle in front of a restaurant along Boulder Highway, authorities said.

The woman, who was not carrying identification, was hit outside Denny's at 5318 Boulder Highway about 1:50 a.m. today, Sgt. Frank Weigand of the Metro Police fatal traffic division, said.

The woman was crossing the street near Harmon Avenue when she was struck by a late-model Ford Explorer driven by Alan Bradford of Henderson. The impact knocked her about 140 feet, Weigand said.

The woman's injuries were so severe that officers from Metro's fatal traffic division were dispatched to the scene. Investigators said there was no evidence Bradford was speeding or was driving under the influence, Weigand said. The posted speed limit on that stretch of Boulder Highway is 45 mph.

Bradford was not cited at the scene of the accident, Weigand said.

Because there appeared to be no "mitigating circumstances" caused by excessive speed or impairment by drugs or alcohol, Bradford will likely not face criminal charges, Weigand said.

However, a final determination will not be made until the investigation is complete, he added.

"Usually in cases like this they give a citation," Weigand said. "It's just a straight accident."

The woman was wearing dark clothing -- most likely dark blue or black, and apparently ran out in front of Bradford's SUV, Weigand said.

Witnesses told police the victim had been arguing with her boyfriend before running into the street, Weigand said.

Bradford "just never saw her until the impact," Weigand said.