A 29-year-old Vancouver man was killed early Saturday in a hit-and-run crash on state Highway 503 about 2 miles north of Vancouver, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash was reported at 1:46 a.m. after two cars speeding south on the highway collided near 119th Street. Witnesses said that it appeared the cars had been street racing. The impact sent Ariel J. Romano’s gold 2002 Toyota Corolla sedan off the roadway, across the entrance to Prairie High School and into a large tree, according to the WSP.
Romano was declared dead at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle — believed to be some sort of dark-colored sedan — stopped briefly after the crash but left the scene without providing any information. Witnesses told troopers the sedan sped off and was last seen turning south onto 99th Street, the WSP reported.
Troopers and local law enforcement searched the area but were unable to find the sedan.
WSP detectives are seeking additional witnesses or individuals who may have information about the collision. Anyone with information should contact Detective Jennifer Ortiz at 360-449-7948 or jennifer.ortiz@wsp.wa.gov.
