RICHLAND, Wash. – A chaotic series of events unfolded in Richland as a man was arrested following a hit and run, burglary and violation of a no-contact order. The incident began around 5:45 p.m. when a traffic officer responded to a hit and run at Stevens Drive and Lee Blvd.
The suspect vehicle fled the scene but left behind a crucial piece of evidence: its front license plate. Officers tracked the damaged vehicle to the suspect’s registered address, where it was found with significant front-end damage and all airbags deployed.
Upon arrival, officers heard a woman screaming for help inside the home. The front door had been forced open, and the male driver was inside. The man attempted to flee and resist arrest, requiring officers to fully restrain him.
It was discovered that a court-ordered no-contact order was in place against the man due to a previous conviction for forcing entry into a house and assaulting his ex-wife. He was treated at Kadlec before being booked into Benton County Jail on charges including Felony Hit and Run, DUI, Burglary 1st Degree, Felony Order Violation and Resisting Arrest.
The woman inside the home suffered minor injuries from the assault, and an officer also sustained a minor injury during the arrest.
Richland Police emphasized the challenges of domestic violence calls. “Domestic violence calls are one of the worst types of calls for our officers because we never know what we will be faced with when we arrive,” they said.
Community members experiencing domestic violence are urged to seek help. Emergency services can be reached at 911, while the Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties offers a 24-hour crisis line at (509) 582-9841.
