'Belltown Hellcat' Miles Hudson on trial for reckless driving in Seattle
Miles Hudson, known as the "Belltown Hellcat," appeared in Seattle Municipal Court Tuesday for the start of his criminal traffic trial, where he faces reckless driving and racing charges.
The case, brought by the city of Seattle, includes three prosecution witnesses — two SPD officers and a detective — while the defense, led by Sheley Anderson, plans no witnesses aside from Hudson himself.
Jury selection began Monday following motions in limine; both sides expect the trial to conclude by Thursday.
SEATTLE - Miles Hudson, widely known as the "Belltown Hellcat" for his viral street racing videos in his modified Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, appeared in Seattle Municipal Court Tuesday for the start of his criminal traffic trial.
The case centers on allegations of reckless driving and street racing through densely populated areas of downtown Seattle.
Keep reading to learn what happened in court today and who the city is calling as its witnesses.
What we know
Originally scheduled to be heard by Judge Andrew Simons, the case was reassigned Tuesday morning to Judge Melanie Tratnik.
Hudson entered the courtroom dressed entirely in black and wearing a black face mask. He was accompanied by his defense attorney, Sheley Anderson.
The city, represented by the Seattle City Attorney's Office, submitted 19 motions aiming to limit defense arguments and testimony, particularly any reference to potential penalties if Hudson is convicted. The city also sought to introduce Hudson's prior contact with law enforcement under Washington Rule of Evidence 404(b).
Defense counsel submitted motions to exclude hearsay from responding officers and to prevent impeachment of Hudson based on prior convictions. Hudson plans to testify on his own behalf, and Anderson confirmed no additional witnesses will be called by the defense.
Judge Tratnik recessed court for lunch at 11:45 a.m., with plans to resume at 1 p.m. Jury selection was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., following final rulings on outstanding motions.
The court requested a pool of 27 potential jurors to be brought in for voir dire. Both parties estimate the trial could conclude by Thursday.
Dig deeper
The city intends to call three witnesses to the stand:
Officer Joshua Vaaga, Seattle Police Department
Officer Oliver Murphy, Seattle Police Department
Detective Robert Belshay, Seattle Police Department
The prosecution alleges that Hudson's conduct endangered public safety, citing speeds exceeding 100 mph, burnouts and donuts recorded on social media in downtown Seattle. Hudson has already accrued tens of thousands of dollars in civil penalties and gained notoriety online for his high-octane stunts.
Big picture view
This case is just one in a string of legal challenges Hudson faces.
In March, he pleaded guilty to disclosing intimate images without consent in a separate case, resulting in a five-year domestic violence no-contact order and a firearm ban. He has also violated electronic home monitoring conditions and failed to appear for prior court dates in Seattle and Renton, leading to multiple warrants and bail forfeitures.
The outcome of this week's trial could carry significant consequences for Hudson's legal standing — and his freedom.
The Source
Information in this story came from Seattle Municipal court documents and court appearances and FOX 13 Seattle original reporting.
Bodies of 3 missing Wenatchee, WA girls found, father wanted for murder
'I am in a lot of pain': Lakewood, WA mass shooting survivors being released from hospitals
Alaska Airlines announces nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome
WATCH: TikTok video of woman digging for geoduck in WA goes viral
Carnation fed up with traffic from Remlinger Farms concerts
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Massive rainbow flag placed at Reichstag by activists ahead of Pride
Activists unfurled a massive rainbow flag on the lawn in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin in protest against the government's decision not to hoist an official rainbow flag for Pride. The flag, organizers say, measures 400 square metres, nearly the size of a basketball court. They held a demonstration including speeches and music with numerous attendees waving rainbow flags. The decision against hoisting the flag for the celebration of Christopher Street Day (CSD) as Pride is known in Germany, was made by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner. Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the Bundestag's decision, saying, "The Bundestag is not a circus tent." In a related protest, the Social Democrats (SPD), the junior partner in the conservative-led governing coalition, hoisted a flag in front of the Willy-Brandt-Haus, the party's headquarters in Berlin. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf, along with Carola Ebhardt and Oliver Strotzer, the federal chairpersons of the SPDqueer working group, raised the Progressive Pride Flag for CSD. The flag is an evolution of the classic rainbow flag, incorporating additional colours to represent trans people and queer people of colour. The term Christopher Street Day is used in Germany to refer to Pride celebrations for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. It is a reference to the location of the Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village neighbourhood, where a protest against police discrimination on June 28, 1969, kick-started the gay liberation movement. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Michael Flatley to make bid for Irish presidency, court told
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The choreographer's barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances' for Flatley, and said he is to move back to Ireland within the next 14 days and look to run in the presidential election this autumn. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Lord Of The Dance star Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision. He said during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. He was in Ireland earlier this month where he performed on a flute at a July 4 celebration hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, who was recently appointed to the role by Donald Trump. An election for the largely ceremonial role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older. They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race: former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who is the Fine Gael nominee; and Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and former Galway mayor who has received the backing of opposition parties and independents. Several other figures have hinted at their intention to run, including MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has criticised the Irish Government's policies on immigration and public safety. At the High Court on Friday, defence barristers in Flatley's case argued against the affidavit being accepted by the court, and stated that it was an attempt by Flatley to 'move the goalposts'. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC said Flatley had said before in 2024 that he intended to move to Paris and then Valencia. 'That didn't happen,' he told the court. He also said that if the court was prepared to admit the affidavit, it would undermine previous assertions made by Flatley's side that the reason he is living in Monaco and cannot return to the state is because of the condition of the Castlehyde. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said that as Flatley's residence 'is so central to the issue of security of costs' in the case, she would allow the affidavit to be taken into account, but said she 'entirely' heard submissions made by the defence about the characteristics of the affidavit and what weight it should be afforded. She said she expected the judgment in relation to the costs application to be delivered in a 'reasonably short period', and that it would be given 'shortly after' the end of the courts term.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
Murder investigation underway in Sacramento after assault victim dies
( — A murder investigation is underway after a fatal assault on Monday, according to the Sacramento Police Department. • Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S. Around 1:30 a.m., SPD responded to the 3000 block of Stockton Boulevard for reports of an assault. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man with traumatic injuries. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures. However, the victim was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to SPD. Cliff jumper dies at Northern California lake after hitting water face-first No arrests have been made and the incident is under investigation. Anyone with relevant information can contact SPD at 916-808-5471. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
