Man allegedly hits, runs, crashes

A Deer Park man fled from the scene of a collision Wednesday morning, but his pickup traveled only a mile before it left the roadway, hit a light pole and rolled, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Neil R. Gardner, 54, was driving his Toyota pickup southbound on U.S. Highway 2 at 6:41 a.m. when he struck a 1993 Subaru Legacy station wagon driven by 58-year-old Sandra G. Velez of Elk, Trooper Brad Hudson said.

Velez had stopped at the intersection of State Route 206 when Gard-ner’s pickup struck the rear of her car, Hudson said.

Gardner “then continued southbound on Highway 2,” Hudson said. “He lost control and went off the right side of the roadway where his vehicle rolled.”

Gardner suffered a head injury and was transported to Deaconess Medical Center. Velez also suffered injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center. Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to a WSP press release.

Gardner could face a charge of felony hit and run if tests confirm he was under the influence of alcohol, Hudson said.

“The troopers who arrived first to the scene believed (Gardner) was intoxicated,” Hudson said.