Yakima Man Killed in Tuesday Crash

A 20-year-old man from Yakima was killed in a one vehicle crash in Yakima on Tuesday night. Yakima Police Officers were called to the 1300 block of Pacific Avenue for a report of a car crash just before midnight. Authorities say people called police to report the crash saying the driver struck a tree and was not responsive. When officers and medical responders arrived they found the driver, who hasn't been identified dead at the scene of the crash. Police say the driver was speeding westbound on Pacific Avenue when he tried to pass a motorcycle. Police say the driver tried to pass the motorcycle by using the center two way turn lane but he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then left the roadway and struck a utility pole and a tree. A press release from the Yakima Police Department says the driver was partially ejected and killed instantly on impact. The crash was reported at about
11:56 p.m. Investigators say they believe speed and intoxicants are to blame for the crash. It's being investigated by members of the Yakima Police Department Traffic Unit. The drivers name is expected to be released after the family has been notified of the death.

Police have been on extra patrols around the city to find drivers who speed and run red lights. The new emphasis patrols started earlier this year and they happen every week at different locations around the city. On average police say they're stopping about 200 drivers every week giving warnings and citations hoping to slow people down in busy areas around the city.