Two pedestrians hit by vehicles in separate incidents

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A 69-year-old Yakima woman was hospitalized in good condition and an 18-year-old Union Gap man had been released from the hospital Friday after both were struck by vehicles in separate Yakima accidents on Thursday.

Both accidents happened during afternoon or evening commute periods, prompting police to remind pedestrians to use lighted crosswalks if possible and be extra careful in the dark.

Both victims were expected to receive tickets for improperly crossing the street.

The first incident took place at 4:15 p.m. when Beverly Taft tried to cross in the 1200 block of North First Street.

Police said Renee Woodson, 51, of Cle Elum was driving a 2005 Hyundai Elantra north on North First Street when Taft attempted to cross the street diagonally from west to east in the middle of the block.

Police said Taft crossed in front of some traffic, then stepped in the path of the Hyundai. She was taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, where she was listed in good condition Friday.

Traffic on North First Street was reduced to one lane in each direction for approximately 30 minutes.

The second accident was reported about 5:40 p.m. on Nob Hill Boulevard near Fifth Avenue.

Authorities found Matthew Madden lying unconscious in the middle of the street.

Investigators determined he had run across the road, without giving motorists any warning and was struck by a pickup, driven by 21-year-old Casey Robinson of Yakima.

The incident investigation blocked Nob Hill Boulevard for about 40 minutes.

Police said Madden was checked for back injuries and released from the hospital a short time later.