Driver jailed after allegedly fleeing Richland crash, leaving injured passenger behind

The driver of a car that crashed near Richland on Saturday night has been found after he ran from the wreck, leaving an injured passenger, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Tanner Covert, 42, of Benton City, is being held in the Benton County jail on suspicion of felony vehicular assault, according to jail records.

He was driving a Subaru Outback west on Interstate 182 about 11 p.m. when he crashed and rolled at the westbound Interstate 82 interchange, according to WSP.

Covert ran off, leaving Nivie Sizemore, 45, of Benton City, injured at the scene, according to WSP. She was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

WSP said that drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

This story was originally published November 3, 2024 at 12:46 PM.