Local man hurt in single car crash

MATTAWA - A Mattawa man was injured on May 28 when his car crashed along Highway 243 one mile north of Mattawa.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the 6:15 p.m. crash was influenced by drugs or alcohol. Fernando Hernandez Cortez, 26, was airlifted to Kadlec Hospital in Richland.

The State Patrol said Hernandez Cortez, who was wearing his seat belt, was driving a 1998 Honda Accord 4-door. It was impounded by Davis Towing of Schawana.

According to the State Patrol, Hernandez Cortez was southbound on 243 near mile post 14.5 when he lost control of his vehicle. The Honda crossed the center line into the northbound lane, left the roadway from that lane and struck a boulder on the side of the road.

The accident's cause was driving under the influence, the State Patrol said. Hernandez Cortez was cited for DUI.