Driver in Clemons hit-and-run turns self in

Speeding and alcohol not factors, authorities said

OTHELLO — The man driving the car that hit and presumably killed Othello civic leader Les Clemons turned himself in to Adams County authorities Wednesday morning.

Jose T. G. Andrade, 28, has been arrested and will face charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, said Adams County Sheriff Douglas Barger.

Barger said Andrade told his girlfriend to call the ACSO and to take deputies to an orchard in north Franklin County where Andrade works. He was arrested, taken to the county jail in Ritzville and is now cooperating with authorities.

"He is very remorseful, he feels pretty bad," Barger said, adding that Andrade said he did not call the ACSO himself because he doesn't speak English well.

Andrade told authorities that he was driving to work in the middle of darkness and misty fog when he hit Clemons.

Andrade went on to work despite the extensive damage to his car's windshield, right fender, top and hood, Barger said. Andrade told authorities he was not sure what he had hit. Once he reached work, he realized it probably had been a person.

Although he admitted he drove his car to the orchard to hide it, Andrade said he talked to his girlfriend Wednesday night and decided it was best to turn himself in.

He now faces charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a class B felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail and a $20,000 fine.

"That is nowhere near what he will get," Barger said. "It's based on prior criminal history and he has no record."

According to the ACSO's investigation, there is no sign of speeding and there is no sign of alcohol consumption being a factor in the accident. Poor visibility played the biggest part, Barger said.

Andrade will be arraigned tomorrow at an unspecified time at the Adams County Superior Court. Meanwhile, a final autopsy report is not expected for another two to three weeks.

Barger said that the sheriff's office is still asking for assistance in finding a white, mini-type conversion van with teal green stripes, which was the second vehicle to hit Clemons. Anyone with information, please call the ACSO at (509) 488-2061.