One Victim Who Fled Umatilla County Crash Is A Wanted Suspect

The single vehicle rollover occurred September 3rd, causing injuries, including a Pasco resident. One of the occupants is believed to be wanted suspect!

According to the Oregon State Patrol and Umatilla County Sheriff's, the crash last Thursday involved one person suspected of being a wanted criminal!

The accident occurred around 2:30pm on I-84 East of Pendleton,  when a mini-van carrying 7 people suffered a blown tire, causing the vehicle to roll over several times. Two adult males were ejected from the van, but miraculously, no one was killed. Additional information was released Monday by the Oregon State Patrol. Here's where it gets interesting:

"The driver of the involved vehicle has been identified as Margarito MARTINEZ-SAUCEDA, age 58, of Pasco Washington. MARTINEZ-SAUCEDA was initially transported by ground ambulance to St. Anthony's Hospital then transferred by air ambulance to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, WA.

Occupant Gary ELKINS, age 42, of Stayton was ejected from the vehicle coming to rest in the westbound lanes of I-84. ELKINS was initially transported by ground ambulance to St. Anthony's Hospital then transferred by air ambulance or OHSU.

Occupant Clifford STEELEY, age 43, of Adams, Oregon was ejected from the vehicle coming to rest in the center median. STEELEY was transported by air ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington.

Occupant Patsy ELKINS, age 40, of Echo, Oregon was transported by ground ambulance to St. Anthony's Hospital.

Occupant Vanessa MEDELEZ, age 32, of Hermiston, Oregon left the crash scene on foot and was transported to St. Anthony's by private vehicle. MEDELEZ was treated and released at the Hospital and subsequently taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for a probation violation. MEDELEZ was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail.

Witness and passenger statements indicate two other adult male occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the crash and fled the crash scene. Investigators are working to confirm the identity of the two occupants who fled the crash scene on foot. One of the male adult occupants who fled the crash scene is believed to be wanted on an outstanding warrant."

The investigation and search for these two men continues.