Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash North of Toppenish Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – A fatal hit-and-run crash on September 16 claimed the life of one person and left two others injured just north of Toppenish. The incident occurred on Branch Road, approximately two miles from the town, at around 8:04 p.m. Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers were called to the scene to investigate the accident, which involved a BMW and a Chrysler 200.

According to the WSP, the BMW, driven by 32-year-old Noemi Salazar Perez from Sunnyside, was heading west on Branch Road toward State Route 97 (SR 97) when the crash happened. Reports indicate that the BMW failed to yield the right-of-way and was struck by a Chrysler 200 traveling northbound on SR 97. The impact of the collision was severe, causing significant damage to both vehicles.

Noemi Salazar Perez was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the WSP. Authorities have already notified her next of kin. In addition to the tragic loss of life, a 39-year-old male passenger in the BMW, also from Sunnyside, was injured in the crash. He was rushed to a hospital in Yakima for treatment. His current condition remains unknown.

The Chrysler 200 had two occupants. A 26-year-old male passenger suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital for medical care. However, the driver of the Chrysler, a 28-year-old man from Chiapas, Mexico, fled the scene immediately after the accident. This prompted a brief search, but the WSP confirmed that the driver was apprehended a short time later.

Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash, and no official charges have been filed yet. However, the WSP has indicated that charges may be brought against the driver of the Chrysler pending the results of the ongoing investigation. Hit-and-run incidents are serious offenses in Washington, and authorities are taking this case very seriously.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of driving responsibly and obeying traffic laws. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.