OLYMPIA, Thurston County, Wash., Nov. 8, 2026 — Two elderly occupants of a vehicle were injured on Thursday night, November 5, in a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash on Black Lake Belmore Road, according to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
The crash was reported in the 4700 block of Black Lake Belmore Road, prompting a response from the McLane Black Lake Fire Department, which blocked the roadway while crews worked the scene. The sheriff's office also responded and helped block the road to traffic, and it asked drivers to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.
Deputies said the second vehicle involved was found unoccupied, and the driver had reportedly left the scene on foot. The sheriff's office described him as a Black male, about 5'10", in his mid 30s, wearing dark clothing. The occupants of the first vehicle, described as elderly, suffered injuries that were not specified.
Around 9:11 p.m., a deputy located the man believed to have fled the crash and detained him, the sheriff's office said. Further details on the extent of injuries or any charges had not been released.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Local Crash Information for Olympia, WA
The crash was reported on 4700 Black Lake Belmore Road in Olympia. For more crash news from the area, see our recent crash reports from Thurston County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions contribute to crashes like this?
Wet pavement, poor lighting and reduced visibility at night can all make it harder for drivers to react in time, raising the chances of a collision on rural or semi-rural roads.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, call 911, exchange information with other drivers and document the scene with photos. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Many crashes occur at intersections or on roads with limited lighting, especially during evening and nighttime hours when visibility drops.
What happens when a driver leaves the scene of a crash?
Leaving the scene of a collision involving injury is treated as a serious offense, and law enforcement typically works quickly to identify and locate the driver involved.
