Executive Summary
- Pedro Ruiz, 18, was involved in a fatal crash while reportedly fleeing police on I-182.
- The suspect vehicle crossed the median cable barrier and struck an oncoming car.
- Maria Mendoza, 57, of Grandview, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
- Investigators indicate drugs or alcohol were factors; charges are pending.
An 18-year-old driver from Othello was involved in a fatal traffic collision Friday night on Interstate 182 in Pasco after reportedly fleeing from law enforcement, according to reports from the Washington State Patrol. The incident, which resulted in the death of a Grandview woman, occurred at approximately 7:43 p.m. near milepost 12 within city limits.
Troopers identified the driver of the fleeing vehicle as Pedro Ruiz. According to investigators, Ruiz was traveling westbound in a 2004 Ford F-150 when he lost control of the truck. The vehicle reportedly left the roadway, rolled over the cable barrier in the median, and entered the eastbound lanes, where it collided with an oncoming 2018 Buick Encore.
The driver of the Buick, identified as 57-year-old Maria Mendoza of Grandview, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Emergency responders treated Ruiz for injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities confirmed that Ruiz was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Both vehicles were totaled in the collision.
State Patrol investigators have noted that drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident, although the specific cause remains under active investigation. Charges related to the pursuit and the fatal collision are pending the completion of the inquiry. Next-of-kin notifications for the victim have been completed.
Investigative Outlook
The Washington State Patrol is currently conducting a comprehensive reconstruction of the accident scene to determine the precise mechanics of the barrier failure and the velocity of the suspect vehicle. As toxicology results are pending, the investigation is expected to focus on potential charges of vehicular homicide and felony eluding. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
