Kelso teen arrested after fatal April rollover in Rose Valley

Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested the 19-year-old accused of causing a fatal rollover accident in Rose Valley in April.

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Jacob Manecke, Jr., of Kelso, is suspected of vehicular homicide after reportedly speeding in the 200 block of Maranatha Road and flipping a 1994 Toyota 4Runner, pinning passenger Elden Ragsdale, 18, of Longview, underneath.

Ragsdale, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene, according to sheriff's office notices.

Sheriff's office staff were dispatched to the scene, northwest of the Coweeman River Park, at about 8 p.m. on April 18.

Road

How did the accident happen?

Washington State Patrol found the 4Runner overtuned on the curve of the gravel road after an investigation.

A neighbor told deputies he was also following the 4Runner on an ATV around this time, after the SUV sped past his house, possibly damaging the road. He couldn't get the license plate number before losing sight, the sheriff's office reports.

Undersheriff Troy Brightbill said detectives have briefed prosecutors about the ATV driver's pursuit.

Other passengers told deputies Manecke was speeding, and Ragsdale had asked him to slow down or pull over.

Was alcohol involved?

Deputies smelled intoxicants in the 4Runner, the notice continues. A preliminary breath test on Manecke also found alcohol, and he admitted to drinking, according to the sheriff's office.

Results from a blood test later showed he tested positive for ethanol, found in alcoholic drinks, and THC, found in cannabis.

Three of his passengers were transported to Longview's PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center by private vehicle after the crash, but Manecke stayed on scene to talk to investigators.

Investigators had previously said they would submit findings to prosecutors for possible criminal charges, but court records show Manecke has not yet been charged.

His first appearance in Cowlitz County Superior Court is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with more information from Undersheriff Troy Brightbill.

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