Investigation of hit and run crash concludes
This Dodge Charger was involved in a March 9 hit and run crash involving a Moses Lake police vehicle. The Washington State Patrol recently concluded an investigation into the collision.
MOSES LAKE - A Washington State Patrol investigation into a March 9 hit and run collision involving a Moses Lake police vehicle confirmed the original version of events.
Moses Lake Police Sgt. Brian Jones, 39, was reportedly parked on the north side of Nelson Road Northeast about 6:45 p.m. when he witnessed a passing vehicle with an equipment violation, according to Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Sands.
While making a U-turn into the eastbound lane to follow the driver for contact, Jones's 2009 Crown Victoria police car was struck from behind by a 2010 Dodge Charger traveling in the eastbound lane.
Sands said the Charger approached Jones at speeds in excess of 100 mph and at impact was traveling at about 70 mph, according to data collected from the vehicle's data recorder and evidence gathered at the scene.
"When Sgt. Jones began his turn to contact the driver of the other vehicle, the Dodge Charger would have been more than 760 feet away," Sands stated.
The driver of the Charger, Justin M. Armenta, allegedly fled the accident on foot and, according to Moses Lake police officials, was apprehended a short distance from the crash by a state Department of Fish and Wildlife sergeant.
Armenta was not injured in the collision and was booked into the Grant County Jail on charges of driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run accident.
Jones was transported to Samaritan Hospital for treatment of minor bumps, bruises and a laceration before being released.
Both of the vehicles were totaled in the collision and towed from the scene, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Jones, a 14-year veteran of the Moses Lake Police Department, has never before been involved in an accident while on duty, according to police officials.