MATTAWA, Grant County, Wash., Nov. 6, 2026 — A fire battalion chief suffered a leg injury on Wednesday night, November 4, when a driver reportedly went through an active crash scene near Road 24 Southwest and Road L Southwest and struck him, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office said firefighters from Grant County Fire District 8 were working to contain an oil spill from an earlier crash in the area at about 10:30 p.m. when a car drove through the scene. The car struck the leg of Battalion Chief Doug Anderson, deputies said.
Anderson was treated at the scene by emergency medical technicians for a minor leg injury, the sheriff's office said. The driver did not stop after hitting him, according to deputies, but was located and stopped a short time later by Mattawa police.
A 33-year-old Mattawa man was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run, vehicular assault, and driving under the influence, deputies said. He was booked into the Grant County Adult Detention Facility. The case remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Mattawa, WA
This crash happened in Mattawa, WA. We cover crashes across Grant County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Grant County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crashes involving an impaired driver tend to cause more serious harm?
A driver under the influence usually reacts slower and has trouble judging distance or speed, which can mean little or no braking before impact and a harder hit than a sober driver might cause.
Can drugs besides alcohol impair driving, too?
Yes. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can all slow reaction time, affect coordination, or impair judgment behind the wheel, much like alcohol does.
What are some warning signs of an impaired driver on the road?
Common signs include weaving between lanes, driving well under or over the speed limit, delayed braking, and failing to use headlights or turn signals properly.
How does alcohol affect a person's ability to drive safely?
Alcohol slows reaction time, narrows attention, and impairs coordination and depth perception, all of which make it harder to respond to sudden hazards like a crash scene or a pedestrian in the road.
