1/6/09 9pm UPDATE: We just communicated with Faraz Lakhani, the victim of Tuesday afternoon’s hit and run, who reports that the suspect was captured within the hour by police (it doesn’t help to have your license plate fall off).

Faraz, who works at the Subway sandwich shop on 16th SW, sent us the following first-hand report:

I am really thankful to have walked out from the sunroof of my car unscathed except for a minuscule cut on my hand. It sure was my lucky day today – ‘cos the accident looks like the driver would have been hurt much worse.

The police did find the hit and run driver within the hour. He was a 72 year old man with a suspended drivers license and no insurance I decided not to prosecute and they will just be charging him for driving without a license.

I was just really shaken as my car flew and rolled before it landed on its side.

The car is going to be a total loss but I have reason to be thankful I came away unhurt!

I really appreciate your efforts to help get the hit and run driver.

PREVIOUSLY: At approximately 2:25pm Tuesday afternoon (1/6/09), our intrepid “on-the-street” Reporters Mark Neuman and Bart Bryan witnessed the immediate aftermath of a hit and run accident at the intersection of SW 104th and 16th Ave SW in White Center.

The BMW on its side above was headed northbound on 16th when it was t-boned on the driver’s side, knocking it onto its side, by a black Hyundai Accent, Washington license plate #735 VJT, which left the scene, classifying it as a definite hit and run.

Below are more photos taken at the scene, including the license plate, which fell off the suspect’s vehicle and was discovered by Neuman and Bryan.

If you have any information on this car or its owner, you are encouraged to call the King County Sheriff’s office immediately at (206) 296-3333 or 296-3323.