Tri-City Herald week in review

Witnesses say Amazon driver ran red light in fatal crash

Investigators are working to determine what led to a fatal crash on Highway 240 in Richland that killed 58-year-old Teresa J. Weers. Several witnesses reported seeing Michael Tekeste Asgodom, 46, of Shoreline, run a red light at Duportail Street before striking Weers, who was turning left onto the highway. Asgodom was not arrested and cooperated with investigators, according to Trooper Daniel Mosqueda. Drugs and alcohol have been ruled out. Prosecutors could charge Asgodom with vehicular homicide if recklessness such as speeding is established, though such investigations can take months. Weers’ 8-year-old granddaughter, who was in the back seat, was treated at Kadlec Regional Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. Weers had stopped to buy Slurpees for six grandchildren shortly before the crash.

Reported by Cameron Probert, published June 22

Coroner identifies Kennewick motorcyclist killed in crash

A 23-year-old Kennewick man has been identified as the motorcyclist who died in a crash late June 19 on Hildebrand Boulevard. Joeseph “Joe” McNeil had been riding with a friend when he crashed around 8:40 p.m., according to Chief Deputy Coroner Dennis Morris. The friend, who was riding ahead, heard McNeil curse through their helmet microphones and looked back to find McNeil had gone off the road. Police markings indicated his motorcycle struck a curb near a fire hydrant at South Penn Street. McNeil, a Kennewick High School alumnus who had only been riding for about four months, died before reaching Trios Southridge Hospital nearby. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Alivia Rocha to help his family with funeral expenses, describing McNeil as “deeply loved by his family, friends and everyone who had the chance to know him.”

Reported by Cameron Probert, published June 22

Mocha Express drive-thru closing after eight years

Mocha Express, a beloved local coffee shop, is closing its Kennewick drive-thru location at 1400 W. 27th Ave. after eight years of operation, with the final day of service set for Sunday, July 5. The closure is due to the property owner, Jackson Food Stores, expanding its operations at the corner of 27th and Union Street. The shop announced the news via Facebook, where supporters responded with encouragement and suggestions for new Richland or Pasco locations. Mocha Express confirmed that staff from the closing location will continue working at its two remaining Kennewick spots on W. 10th Ave. and W. Canal Dr. Jacksons Food Stores, based in Meridian, Idaho, took over several Tri-Cities convenience store and gas station locations in late 2023 as part of a larger acquisition.

Reported by Emma Zawacki, published June 22

West Richland fireworks proposal fails in 4-2 vote

West Richland’s city council voted 4-2 against a proposal that would have reduced the number of days fireworks could be sold and used, leaving current regulations unchanged. The proposal, which would not have taken effect until 2027, sought to limit firework use to a single day and sales to three days, down from the current three days of use and nine days of sales. Council members Kate Moran and Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom supported the changes, while Ken Stoker, John Smart, David Fetto, and David Cole voted against the final amended proposal. Residents offered emotional testimony on both sides, with some citing fears of fire and irresponsible behavior, and others arguing restrictions would be ineffective. Because of the failed vote, rules cannot change for next year, but the city could revisit the issue for 2028.

Reported by Ellie Conover, published June 20

High-tech baseball simulators open in Kennewick

A new Kennewick venue is bringing high-tech baseball simulators to the Tri-Cities in a party-friendly setting. The Ballerz Club opened June 10 at 731 N. Columbia Center, next to Let’s Glow Mini Golf, and spans 8,600 square feet featuring six baseball simulators, lounges, a VIP room, a concession stand, and TVs. Both businesses share founder Brittney Hellman, who previously opened Let’s Glow in 2023. The simulators, licensed through Batbox, project immersive baseball fields and support both batting and pitching practice for up to 10 guests per bay. Hellman describes it as “the baseball version of Topgolf.” Individual bays rent for $60 to $70 per hour, while party packages start at $350 for up to 30 guests. Walk-ins are welcome, though larger groups are encouraged to reserve in advance.

Reported by Wendy Culverwell, published June 21

Boater accused of assault after marina collision

A 27-year-old Pasco man is under investigation for assault by watercraft following a boat collision near Richland’s Columbia Point Marina, authorities say. Ignacio A. Villalobos allegedly had been drinking canned cocktails before crashing into another vessel, according to court documents. A man and his father were fishing in the other boat when the collision occurred; the younger man sustained a 2- to 3-inch cut above his eye requiring treatment at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. A Benton County sheriff’s deputy reported smelling intoxicants on Villalobos, who acknowledged drinking Cutwaters, a pre-mixed canned cocktail, though he did not specify how many or when. Field sobriety tests indicated impairment, court documents state. Villalobos was booked into the Benton County jail and later released after posting a $1,000 bond.

Reported by Cameron Probert, published June 23

This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Tri-City Herald week in review."