Victim of Renton hit-and-run credits dog with alerting family to get help

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30-01-2025

The Brief
A Renton man was hospitalized after a hit-and-run driver plowed into him while he was out for a nightly walk with his dog.
The dog, Esco, ran home to get help following the crash, despite being injured.
Renton Police are asking anyone who may have additional video of events surrounding the crash to reach out.
RENTON, Wash. - A Renton man is recovering at Harborview Medical Center after a hit-and-run driver plowed into him while he was out for a nightly walk with his dog.
The family pet is being hailed as a hero, after the dog ran to get help after the crash.
What they're saying
Richard Sanchez says he was walking Esco when he was hit by a passing car.
"I can't walk, I can barely sit up," said Richard, interviewing with FOX 13 from his hospital bed.
Although he was knocked out, Richard says Esco knew what to do, running home to alert the family.
"Esco the hero," said Lori Sanchez. "That's our buddy."
Richard may be battered and bruised, but he and his wife are still feeling fortunate for their furry first responder.
The couple credit part of Richard's rescue to the brave bully.
"I call him Esco the eskimo because he's so fluffy, but I call him Esco the hero," said Lori. "I'm in awe how he made it home, how far they were."
Richard says they were near Talbot Road South and 51st Court when they were hit. Renton Police are investigating dash cam video that shows the car hitting them near a marked pedestrian crossing area.
"The left leg was pretty much shattered." said Richard about his own injuries.
As the driver sped away, Esco sprang into action, making the mile-long trip home alone.
"That's when my family understood that there was something wrong," said Richard. "Esco was on the stairs. He was going sideways, sideways. We went to the door."
As Lori was preparing to look for Richard, an officer knocked at the door.
"Esco was trying to tell me," she said. "The officers said, she just put her hands up. I'm like, 'What's wrong?'"
The couple had just lost their 25-year-old son in 2023, and the thought of another loss made Lori emotional.
"She said, 'Your husband has been hit by car. You are going to need to get there, and he's going to Harborview.' I'm like, 'I just lost my son at Harborview.'"
Esco was also injured in the hit-and-run crash. Lori says he's been "sore," so the dog's vet prescribed pain medication to help him during the healing process.
The family has set up an online fundraiser for medical expenses for Richard and Esco.
"My husband's life could have been taken, just like that, and even Esco is slightly injured. He had to have pain meds," said Lori.
Police are hoping someone recognizes the car, which has a very small sunroof. There may also be potential damage to the side, hood and windshield.
After more than 30 years together, the Sanchez's are happy they'll have a few more.
"He's going to be OK," said Lori, talking about her husband Richard, with tears in her eyes.
The couple says they're also grateful for Esco, and consider him their four-legged superhero.
"We're going to get him in a cape," said Lori. "I already got in mind, a cape and a little chain…and, you say 'Hello' to him and he'll wink."
Renton Police are asking anyone who may have additional video of events surrounding the crash, which they say happened around 9-9:10 p.m. on Jan. 24, to reach out.
Investigators are also looking for a lead as to what make and model the car might be. If you have knowledge of cars, and have an idea what vehicle is shown in the images below, contact Renton Police.
The Source
Information in this story is from Renton Police and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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