Moses Lake man crashes SUV at dunes

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake residents were involved in an SUV crash at the sand dunes Sunday night.

Jacob L. Sams, 21, Moses Lake, was driving a 1984 Chevrolet Suburban at the sand dunes in the mud flat area, Grant County Undersheriff John Turley said Wednesday. Sams reportedly struck a large "jump" and launched the vehicle approximately 80 feet.

Witnesses advised the vehicle was 10 to 15 feet off the ground, Turley said. Sams was the only occupant wearing a seatbelt and all five passengers were tossed around in the vehicle once it hit the ground.

Sams reportedly told law enforcement he was traveling approximately 50 mph and intended to hit the jump, Turley said. When it landed it nearly struck another vehicle.

Once the vehicle landed, witnesses advised they reportedly saw passengers removing beer cans from the vehicle and throwing them into the lake. Turley said Sams was not intoxicated but there were two juveniles in the vehicle. Witnesses allegedly attempted to keep the vehicle occupants immobilized while waiting for an ambulance.

Neeko G. Sabedra, 19, Moses Lake, was airlifted to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash., for treatment of possible back injuries.

Jose A. Zepeda, 18, Moses Lake, was transported to Samaritan Healthcare for treatment of a possible ankle fracture, bumps and bruises. Zepeda also had a warrant for his arrest from Spokane County concerning theft. He was not immediately arrested due to his medical condition, Turley said.

Enrique R. Castro, 18, Moses Lake, was taken to Samaritan Healthcare for treatment of a possible fracture, bumps and bruises.

Michael A. Guerra, 18, Moses Lake, was transported to Samaritan Healthcare for treatment of possible bumps and bruises.

Two Moses Lake juveniles were also taken to Samaritan Healthcare for treatment to possible injuries. Their ages were not available.

It did not appear Sams was injured, Turley said.

Citations have not been issued yet, but are expected for Sams, he said.