WSP investigates crash including fatal gunshot wound
By Terry Murry on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
TOPPENISH – The Washington State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on State Route 22 within the Toppenish city limits. Three people were injured, two fled the scene, and another person suffered a fatal gunshot wound at the time of the collision.
WSP reports that the circumstances surrounding the fatal wound are still under investigation. The preliminary investigation shows that a Toyota Camry was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line and struck a Chevrolet Silverado head-on. A passenger in the Toyota perished from a gunshot wound. He is identified as Joel Reyes, 22, of Tacoma.
The driver and one of the passengers in the Toyota fled the scene. Their names are unknown and WSP does not know if they were injured. Another passenger in the Toyota, Pedro Sanchez, 22, of Fife, was injured.
The driver and a passenger in the Chevrolet were also injured. They are Jason Reno, 51, and Lahela Kaahanui, 44, both of Kennewick. All of the injured were transported to Yakima Memorial Hospital. WSP reports that the deceased man and the three who were injured were wearing safety restraints.
