Benton County deputy’s car hit during chase on Highway 397 in Kennewick

A fleeing driver hit a Benton County deputy’s patrol car and slammed into a railroad crossing arm during an early morning chase on Highway 397 in Kennewick, authorities say.

Shortly before 12:45 a.m. Saturday, Benton County sheriff’s Cpl. Dan Korten tried stop a Toyota Corolla near Third Avenue as it headed south, the Washington State Patrol said.

The Corolla’s driver, 22-year-old Eric Perez-Bernal of Pasco, tried to escape, the WSP said.

During the chase, Perez-Bernal made a U-Turn and hit Korten’s SUV before continuing heading north, the WSP said. The driver lost control near the intersection with Gum Street and hit a railroad crossing arm.

At least one person inside the car tried running from the scene and was caught, according to dispatch reports.

Korten and Perez-Bernal were not hurt in the crash, authorities said. One of the passengers in the Corolla, Jonathan Gomez Magana, 19, of Pasco, was taken to Trios Southridge Hospital for treatment.

Washington State Patrol investigators said they believe drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

Perez-Bernal was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of third-degree assault and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle.

This story was originally published July 25, 2020 at 10:16 AM.