Man arrested for felony hit-and-run

EPHRATA — A man was arrested early Friday morning after a person who was riding in the bed of the truck he was driving fell out and was seriously injured. The suspect reportedly left the scene and was later arrested for felony hit-and-run.

About 11:10 p.m. Thursday the Ephrata Police Department received a report of a traumatic injury in the area of Roosevelt Boulevard and Maringo Road. Officers and deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the 24-year-old victim from Soap Lake, who was seriously injured. Police learned he was thrown out of the back of a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by McKell R. Iyall, 22, of Ephrata, according to Ephrata City Administrator Wes Crago.

Witnesses reported Iyall was driving the Dodge with three people, one of whom was the victim, riding in the bed. The tailgate on the truck was reportedly down and the passengers yelled at Iyall to slow down. He reportedly sped up and the victim fell out of the back of the truck at the Roosevelt/Maringo intersection.

Iyall was reportedly not immediately aware of what had happened, but the remaining passengers in the bed of the truck were able to gain his attention and he drove the truck back to where the victim had fallen. The passengers notified 911 and attempted to give medical aid. Iyall allegedly left the scene after 911 was contacted.

Responders from the Ephrata Fire Department and American Medical Response arrived at the scene and transported the victim to Columbia Basin Hospital. About 3:40 a.m. on Friday he was airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center for additional treatment.

Officers and deputies started to search for Iyall, with the witnesses of the incident stating he was “fully aware” he was being sought by police. He reportedly contacted MACC Dispatch Friday morning and was arrested by the EPD without incident about 8:40 a.m. He was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Crago said charges against Iyall might be amended as evidence is collected and reviewed by police and the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office.

“This is a tragic incident. Our hearts go out to (the victim’s) family and we all hope and pray for his recovery,” Ephrata Police Chief Michael Warren said. “This is a harsh reminder that riding in the back of a pickup, while legal under certain circumstances, is never a wise idea. We strongly advise that no one ride in the bed of a pickup. It is just too dangerous.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.