Driver on the run after fleeing Tri-Cities crash that left 3 children, 2 adults hurt

A 20-year-old driver remained on the run Tuesday after fleeing the scene of a crash in Kennewick that left five people hurt, including three small children.

Police already were searching for the Kennewick driver of the black pickup truck before he allegedly turned left into the path of a Toyota Corolla near the cable bridge on Monday evening.

The Corolla’s four passengers were taken to Trios Southridge Hospital.

They were Jazmine A Santa Cruz, 38, of Kennewick, two girls ages 6 and 7 and a 3-year-old boy, said the Washington State Patrol. Investigators say the girls were not properly buckled in but have not said what the problem was or how seriously they were hurt.

The Corolla’s driver, Vanessa Robles, 18, of Kennewick, was taken to Trios Southridge Hospital by another driver.

Earlier in the week, the suspect in the black Dodge Ram fled from Kennewick police, and officers were on the lookout for him, said WSP Trooper Chris Thorson.

Then about 6:30 p.m., the man was driving north on Highway 397 and turned left to get onto Columbia Drive and collided with the Corolla, said the WSP.

The pickup’s driver and passenger ran away from the crash, but witnesses later identified them, Thorson said.

Investigators have not released the hit-and-run suspect’s name.

This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 11:07 AM.