David Tapia Will Be Sentenced Friday
A judge will sentence David Tapia in King County for a 2025 fatal hit-and-run in Seattle.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Accidents
David Tapia, 19, faces sentencing on Friday, September 25, 2026, for his role in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred in Seattle on February 1, 2025. The collision killed 39-year-old Ole Ward at the intersection of NW Market Street and 15th Avenue NW.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process that began when the defendant pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run charges in November 2025. Investigators used surveillance footage, social media posts, and cell phone images to link Tapia to the fatal crash.
The defendant, David Tapia, faces felony hit-and-run charges following the death of Ole Ward, who was thrown 75 feet after being struck at 1:20 a.m. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place in King County.
The players
David Tapia
The 19-year-old defendant is awaiting sentencing for a felony hit-and-run charge.
Ole Ward
The 39-year-old victim died following a collision at a Seattle intersection.
King County Superior Court
This local judicial body is responsible for overseeing the felony proceedings and the final sentencing.
The details
Prosecutors alleged that Tapia used a fake ID to purchase alcohol and marijuana before the incident, later taking his truck to a shop under false pretenses. The defendant previously posted bail after his initial not guilty plea in November 2025.
Timeline
The collision occurred in Ballard at 1:20 a.m. on February 1, 2025.
David Tapia entered a not guilty plea in November 2025.
The sentencing hearing is set for September 25, 2026.
Legal Context
This case proceeds under the sentencing guidelines mandated by the 2025 Washington state felony hit-and-run statute. The outcome serves as a benchmark for how local courts handle fatal traffic-related felonies involving young defendants.
The case highlights concerns regarding traffic safety at the intersection of NW Market Street and 15th Avenue NW. Local residents and businesses remain attentive to the outcome of the sentencing as it pertains to neighborhood safety enforcement.
The takeaway
The sentencing hearing serves as a final step in addressing the fatal February 2025 incident. Residents are reminded of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and utilizing provided emergency services to maintain local road safety.
Further reading
For more information on similar legal proceedings in the region, visit Seattle accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOMO.
