Tri-Cities man ran from Walla Walla crash that injured 4 other people, says WSP

A Kennewick man ran from the scene of a crash that injured five people, including himself, Saturday morning, according to the Washington State Patrol.

He may have been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to a WSP report.

Ray C. Valdez, 24, of Kennewick, was driving a 2006 Mercedes east on Highway 12 about three miles west of Walla Walla at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

He attempted to pass a Toyota pickup and Ford SUV at a high speed, according to the WSP. It said his Mercedes hit the back of the pickup and then the pickup hit the SUV.

Valdez ran from the crash, but was caught by Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office deputies, according to the WSP.

The pickup was driven by Troy Downing, 59, of La Pine, Ore.

His passenger, Lisa Downing, 57, also of La Pine, was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. Troy Downing also was injured and was taken to the Richland hospital by a private party.

The driver of the SUV, Saul F. Diaz, 46, of Kennewick, and Jose R. Rodriguez Camacho, 38, of Pasco, were taken by ambulance to Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla.

After Valdez was apprehended, he also was taken to the Walla Walla hospital. Charges are pending against him, according to the WSP.

Highway 12 was closed to traffic for about three hours, according to the Washington state Department of Transportation. A detour was available.