Condition of Vancouver teen hit by car improves in hospital

The condition of a 17-year-old Vancouver pedestrian struck by a vehicle last week has improved.

Chase Pickens, who was previously listed in critical condition, has been upgraded to serious condition at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

Pickens was walking on the sidewalk on the north side of Northwest 99th Street about 6:20 p.m. Aug. 31 when he was struck by a 2006 Mazda four-door, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Mazda, driven by Chancellor Pruett, 18, of Vancouver, was driving west on the street in front of Columbia River High School when he used a right-turn-only lane to pass a vehicle, cut back into the westbound lane and crashed into an eastbound 1997 Silver BMW that was turning left into a driveway, according to the sheriff’s office.

After the cars collided, the Mazda crashed into Pickens.

The driver of the BMW, Derek Gear, 42, of Vancouver, suffered injuries described as not life-threatening and was taken to a hospital. Passengers in the Mazda and BMW were not injured.

Speed and reckless driving are suspected contributors to the crash, according to investigators. No citations or arrests have been made, but traffic detectives are continuing their investigation.

A donation account to help cover medical expenses was set up for Pickens, a junior at Skyview High School, at OnPoint Community Credit Union. People can stop by any branch to donate.