Three injured in I-90 crash

RITZVILLE — An alleged alcohol-related crash has led to charges against a Kennewick man.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Jose E. Vargas, 20, of Kennewick, was under the influence of alcohol when he caused a crash on Interstate 90 on Sunday morning, March 5, near the Batum Road overpass on Interstate 90 west of Ritzville.

The crash occurred at 3:18 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the interstate, the patrol reported.

Vargas was westbound in a 2019 Honda HR-V when the vehicle left the roadway near Milepost 198, the patrol reported. The vehicle overturned and came to rest in the median.

Vargas and his passengers were injured in the crash, the patrol reported, noting all three were transported to a hospital.

Vargas and passenger Sydney A. McGrew, 19, of Richland, were taken to a Moses Lake hospital. Passenger Alex Topete, 18, hometown unknown, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

The patrol reported that driving while under the influence as the cause of the crash.

Vargas is facing a vehicular assault charge, the patrol reported.

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