2 rear-end crashes near blue bridge in Kennewick cause traffic jams

A pair of crashes sent two people to the hospital and caused delays for drivers heading into Kennewick on Highway 395 on Friday.

The first crash happened just before 3:30 p.m. when Katrina R. Ayon, 38, of Pasco, slammed into a SUV as she was heading south over the blue bridge, the Washington State Patrol said. The SUV’s driver drove off before talking to police.

Investigators believe Ayon was following too close when traffic slowed and couldn’t stop her 2007 Ford Focus in time. She was treated at Trios Southridge Hospita and cited for following too close.

Then at 6:45 p.m., Janace R. Manuel, 50, of Spokane, is accused of driving drunk in her Pontiac Grand Am as she took the exit to Columbia Drive from Highway 395.

She crashed into the back of a Dodge Ram pickup that had slowed for traffic, said the WSP.

Manuel was treated at Trios Southridge Hospital. The pickup’s driver, Trevor A Dame, 18, of West Richland, was not hurt.

Manuel was cited for DUI.