Improper merge sends man to Harborview

KITTITAS COUNTY – Charges are pending against a Moses Lake man after he attempted to merge into a lane of traffic on Interstate 90, allegedly causing another vehicle to roll over.

According to a Washington State Patrol spokesperson, Peter C. Hammer, 78, of Moses Lake was traveling westbound on I-90 near milepost 68 in the second of three lanes; as well as a vehicle driven in the third lane by Aaron R. Bernier.

Bernier, 48, of Issaquah, was passing when Hammer attempted to merge into the third lane. According to WSP, the attempted merge caused Bernier to strike the WSDOT barrier before becoming tripped and rolling. His vehicle came to rest, blocking all three westbound lanes. Hammer's vehicle came to rest on the shoulder.

Hammer was treated for injuries at the scene. His passenger, Virginia P. Hammer, 63, of Moses Lake, was not injured. She was wearing her seatbelt.

Bernier was transported by aid to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He, too, was wearing his seatbelt. His passengers Cadence Bauer, 17, and Emerson Bauer, 14; also of Issaquah, were both wearing their seatbelts and not injured. They were transported in the aid car with family to Harborview.

Drugs or alcohol were not involved.

The cause of the collision was improper merge.

Hammer was driving a 2020 Subaru Forester, and Bauer was driving a 2017 RAM pickup. Both vehicles had reportable damage.