In Thurston County, Washington State Patrol is seeking the driver of a potential hit and run that occurred near Rochester Monday. The drivers of two vehicles died after a pickup truck pulled onto 1-5 from the shoulder, causing one vehicle to swerve and strike a third vehicle. Washington State Patrol says it is unclear whether the driver knew he or she caused the accident.
Hit and run is knowingly being involved in an accident and failing to stop and exchange information and render reasonable aid to the victim. The prosecutor doesn't have to prove that a driver stuck another vehicle to convict a defendant of hit and run. Even if the driver did not strike the other vehicles, he or she could still have committed the crime of hit and run by having knowledge of involvement in the accident. Hit and run resulting in death is a class B felony.
