Kennewick woman arrested for driving drunk and causing 2 cars to flip on I-82

A Kennewick woman is accused of driving drunk when she caused a double rollover crash on Interstate 82 near Benton City.

Iris J. Barrera, 34, was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of felony vehicular assault.

She was not injured in the 2:10 a.m. wreck, though her 2016 Hyundai Elantra rolled, according to the Washington State Patrol.

However, the other driver, Alvaro V. Ambriz, was hurt when his 2000 Ford Explorer also flipped after being hit.

Ambriz, 51, of Wapato, was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

The state patrol reported that both Barrera and Ambriz were driving west on I-82, one mile east of Benton City, when the Hyundai struck the Ford.

Barrera’s car ended up in the median, while Ambri’s SUV landed off the right shoulder, WSP said.

The crash is still under investigation, but troopers said Barrera was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Barrera appeared Tuesday morning before a Benton County District Court judge. She was released from jail hours later after posting bond on $2,500.

This story was originally published September 3, 2019 at 12:46 PM.