Paterson Man Arrested After Fatal Crash Near Hermiston Claims Life of 7-Year-Old Girl

A 29-year-old man is in jail after he fled the scene of an accident Wednesday night near Hermiston.

Oregon State Police said Jesus Moras Nava was Northbound on Highway 395 when he slammed into the back of a 2010 Kia Soul driven by 29-year-old Leslie Roquez of Irrigon, OR.   She was stopped in the left lane at the intersection of Highway 395 and Punkin Center Road when she was hit around 8:21pm.

Roquez suffered serious injuries, and was flown by air ambulance to Legacy Emmanuel Medical Center in Portland after being taken to Good Shepard Medical Center.  At last report, her condition was critical.

Tragically, her 7-year old daughter, Teleeya Roquez was pronounced dead the scene.   The child was properly seated in a booster seat and restraining belt in the middle of the back seat, but did not survive the impact from behind.  Both drivers were using seat belt.

Officers said after the two vehicles came to a stop,  Nava fled the scene on foot and was later found hiding nearby by a Hermiston Police officer.  After treatment for his injuries, he was arrested and is facing the following charges:

* Manslaughter in the Second Degree
* Felony Hit & Run
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
* Assault in the Second Degree

The investigation into the accident continues.  No photographs of the crash scene were made available.  Alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor in the crash.