One hurt in crash on Highway 14; troopers say causing driver fled scene

A Vancouver man was hospitalized following a crash on state Highway 14 Thursday, and the Washington State Patrol said the driver who caused the crash fled the scene.

The state patrol said Brent C. Lefto, 29, and Jose J. Vazquez-Martinez, 41, both of Vancouver, were heading west on Highway 14 just east of Interstate 205 around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

Lefto attempted to pass Vazquez-Martinez and collided into him, according to the state patrol, causing Vazquez-Martinez’s SUV to roll over. Lefto lost control and struck a concrete barrier on the left side of the roadway, sending his car onto its top and into a guard rail on the right side.

Lefto then fled on foot, according to the state patrol.

Vazquez-Martinez was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for his injuries. His condition was unavailable. The impact totaled both men’s vehicles, according to troopers.

The state patrol blamed the crash on Lefto’s excessive speed, and recommended charges of hit-and-run against an attended vehicle, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.