2 charged in alleged racing crash that hurt Walla Walla mom, son

Two men pleaded innocent this week to charges they caused a crash this month on Isaacs Avenue in Walla Walla that injured a mother and her son.

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reported that Kamden T. Knaus, 26, is set for trial in Walla Walla County Superior Court starting Aug. 24 on two counts of vehicular assault.

Rick A. Plasencia-Torres, 20, of College Place, is scheduled to be tried beginning Sept. 22 on charges he was complicit to the crimes.

Knaus and Plasencia-Torres are accused of acting recklessly or with disregard for the safety of others.

Officials said Knaus was driving a 1995 Volvo on June 15 and was racing a vehicle driven by Plasencia-Torres, when he hit the driver’s side of a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu that was pulling out of the Chevron station.

The Malibu’s driver, Andrea L. Lowe, 35, of Walla Walla, suffered severe injuries. Her condition initially was critical, but she reported on her Facebook page that she has returned home.

Her 10-year-old son, who was in the front passenger seat, was treated at St. Mary for a possible broken jaw and released.

In an interview with a detective, Knaus admitted driving about 60 mph in the 30-mph zone. Plasencia-Torres reportedly denied racing with Knaus, but said he saw Knaus’ car going fast.

Both have been released on bail.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 7:54 PM with the headline "2 charged in alleged racing crash that hurt Walla Walla mom, son."