Bastyr doctor charged in crosswalk death
Published 7:36 am Friday, February 29, 2008
SHORELINE — A renowned naturopathic doctor who helped found Bastyr University in Kenmore faces vehicular homicide charges in the death of a Shoreline woman who was hit in a marked crosswalk on Meridian Avenue North.
Charges were filed Jan. 7 in King County Superior Court.
According to prosecutor papers, Dr. William Allan Mitchell, 56, of Seattle, had a blood-alcohol level of .08 when he was driving his white Mitsubishi Galant southbound on Meridian Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. on a rainy Nov. 17 night.
Thien B. Nguyen, 54, had just gotten off a northbound Metro bus with a friend and was crossing Meridian Avenue in a marked crosswalk at N. 163rd Street when she was struck by Mitchell’s car.
Nguyen was airlifted to Harborview Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Hoi Minh Chim, who crossed the street in front of Nguyen, was not hurt.
According to prosecutor papers, Mitchell drove about 100 feet further, turned around and came back to the accident site. Police who arrived at the scene smelled intoxicants and conducted field sobriety tests on Mitchell.
Mitchell told police he’d had “about three glasses of wine” before getting behind the wheel and told investigators “I am sorry, I didn’t see anything, she was wearing all black.”
He was transported to Northwest Hospital where a blood sample was taken. He requested a breath test, but decided against doing so when it was offered.
Mitchell, faces up to three-and-a-half years in prison if convicted. He is the co-founder of Bastyr University and serves on the Board of Trustees.
According to prosecutor papers, Mitchell was arrested for driving under the influence in 1992 but the charge was amended when he pleaded to negligent driving. In 1999 he received a citation after an accident for driving on the shoulder.
Nguyen emigrated from Vietnam in 1975 and worked as a case manager for the Catholic Services Refugee Assistance Program. She also volunteered at the Vietnam Buddhist Temple where she tutored students in citizenship. She had two sons.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
