FORKS — A 70-year-old La Push man was killed in a single-vehicle wreck on U.S. Highway 101 south of Forks at 9:40 p.m. Friday.
The State Patrol said Saturday that Esau Penn, 70, of La Push was deceased at the scene and his next of kin have been notified.
According to a State Patrol memo, Penn was a passenger in a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze which was traveling north from Aberdeen on Highway 101 near milepost 175, 26 miles south of Forks.
The vehicle failed to negotiate a curve to the left, traveling up the northbound shoulder and hitting a ditch.
Archie Broome Jr., 54, of Forks, was driving the Chevrolet. He was injured and transported by first responders to Forks Hospital.
Also injured was passenger Helen L. Schele, 74, of Forks. She sustained serious injuries and was also transported to Forks Hospital.
As of Saturday morning, her status was unknown.
The Patrol alleged Broome fled on foot and was later found approximately 100 yards from the scene behind a guardrail.
After being medically cleared, he was booked in Jefferson County Jail accused of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and two counts of felony hit and run (death/injury).
The roadway was closed for about 1.5 hours.
State Patrol detectives are seeking any information regarding the vehicle and its occupants prior to the collision.
Those with information are asked to contact Detective Jason Roe at 360-473-0147 or Jason.Roe@wsp.wa.gov.
