Adams County deputy's vehicle strikes, kills man

Othello man dead

OTHELLO - An Adams County Sheriff's deputy reportedly struck a pedestrian with his patrol car Saturday night, killing a man from Othello.

The Washington State Patrol is investigating the fatal collision.

Deputy Kurt Berry, 24, was traveling behind two vehicles in his patrol car on Taylor Road in Othello, Sheriff Doug Barger said Monday. The deputy was on duty conducting regular patrols and was not involved in a pursuit.

The vehicle traveling directly in front of the deputy swerved into the opposite lane, in the path of an oncoming vehicle, but there was no collision, he said. The deputy's attention was directed toward the swerving vehicle and when he looked back at his lane, he saw something dark on the road in front of him, Barger said.

The patrol vehicle reportedly struck Leonel Maldonado Gonzalez, 33, of Othello, Barger said.

Maldonado Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy is pending.

The state patrol interviewed several witnesses who advised Maldonado Gonzalez allegedly fell or jumped out of a vehicle, according to Barger. The state patrol is investigating what vehicle Maldonado Gonzalez was riding in.

"(The state patrol) determined that alcohol was involved," Barger said. "They are continuing to contact additional witnesses as well as the driver of the vehicle that the victim had been riding in."

The autopsy will determine if Maldonado Gonzalez consumed alcohol.

Berry has worked with the sheriff's office for nine months.

No administrative action is being taken against Berry at this time, Barger said. Any action will be determined once the state patrol investigation is completed and following an internal investigation.

Berry was not injured and the patrol car received minor damages, according to Barger.