Seattle Crime Report

Seattle Police arrested Darwin Jose Cortes Gomez following a hit-and-run incident on February 18, 2025, near Eastlake Avenue. The incident involved a collision with an Audi SUV driven by Lisa Balmert, who then pursued the fleeing suspect.

The collision occurred early in the morning as Balmert was on her way to work. Stopped at a red light on Mercer Street, her vehicle was rear-ended by Cortes Gomez, who then attempted to flee the scene driving a gold Honda Accord.

Balmert pursued Cortes Gomez, managing to take photos of his vehicle when both cars were temporarily blocked by a truck on Eastlake Avenue. Upon her call to 911, Seattle Police officers arrived on the scene and used Balmert's information to apprehend Cortes Gomez.

Upon confrontation, Cortes Gomez, who primarily speaks Spanish, communicated through a phone interpreter expressing his initial intention to flee due to fear of arrest. He offered to pay for the damages but Balmert insisted on involving the authorities.

During the investigation, officers noticed an unusual orange bag containing white powder in Cortes Gomez's vehicle, leading to further examination. Although initial tests were inconclusive, the substance was submitted for analysis.

Cortes Gomez was subsequently detained and booked into King County Jail on charges of hit-and-run, as confirmed by the arresting officer, Patrick Satterwhite. The swift action and vigilance of Lisa Balmert played a crucial role in bringing the suspect to justice.