BELLEVUE, Wash. — Police Chief Steve Mylett has defended his department’s investigation into the car crash involving Seattle Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman, saying his confidence level is “rock solid” in the investigation and charging recommendations.
Mylett spoke Tuesday, a day after the police report in Coleman’s case was released.
Bellevue police have recommended charges of vehicular assault and hit-and-run against Coleman and forwarded the case to the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mylett was particularly irritated by comments by Coleman’s attorney. Mylett said he understands the attorney is attempting to defend his client but crossed a line when he “attacked” the integrity of the police department.
Coleman was arrested Oct. 14 after a crash that left the driver of the other vehicle with a broken collarbone and a concussion.
According to the police report, Coleman told police he had smoked “Spice” — lumped in as synthetic marijuana — about an hour before the crash. Coleman’s truck was traveling at 60 mph in a 35 mph zone and hit a Honda Civic.
Coleman’s foot remained on the accelerator for several seconds after the initial impact with the Civic, driving it 260 feet down the road until it was pushed off the roadway, up a hill and flipped over, according to the police report.
Prior to the crash, traffic cameras in the area twice captured Coleman driving out of his lane. Witnesses described Coleman as “aggravated” and “incoherent” following the accident and said he fled barefoot despite being told to stay, according to the report. Police discovered Coleman a short distance from the crash and described him as calm and cooperative.
