OLYMPIA, Thurston County, Wash., Oct. 5, 2026 — Three people were hurt Saturday afternoon, October 3, in a hit-and-run crash near Southbay Road and 26th Avenue. The driver blamed for causing the crash reportedly fled before deputies arrived.
Callers reported that a two-vehicle collision happened at the intersection involving a white Dodge pickup and another vehicle. The driver of the white truck reportedly got out and left the pickup behind, then climbed into a black truck that was seen heading south on Sleater Kinney Road.
The white truck was left unoccupied in the intersection with the keys still inside, and it reportedly had front-end damage. The black truck was said to have rear-end damage consistent with striking the pickup before it drove off.
Three people in the other vehicle involved in the crash were evaluated at the scene, though the extent of their injuries has not been released. Responders requested a tow for the abandoned white truck.
The black truck believed to be involved may have since been located, according to the report, though its occupants' status has not been confirmed. The investigation remains active.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Hit-And-Run Crashes
Many people assume a driver who flees the scene is almost always caught quickly, especially when a vehicle is left behind with identifying details. In practice, locating a vehicle does not always mean investigators can confirm who was driving at the time of the crash, and these cases can take time to resolve even when a lead vehicle or abandoned truck turns up fast.
Another assumption is that hit-and-run crashes mostly involve property damage rather than injury. That is not what the data shows. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in four pedestrian injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023.
That statistic points to a broader pattern: people on foot and in other vehicles are usually left to deal with injuries while the person responsible is gone before anyone can identify them. Abandoned vehicles, like the one left in this intersection, sometimes become the main lead investigators have to work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Note details about the other vehicle, including plate number, color, and direction of travel, in case the driver leaves the scene.
What should I do if the other driver flees?
Try to get a description of the vehicle and driver, along with a plate number if you can see it safely. Report this to responding officers right away so they can issue a lookout.
Where do most of these crashes happen?
Hit-and-run collisions are common at intersections and on arterial roads where traffic moves at higher speeds and drivers have a quick opportunity to leave before help arrives.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes like this?
Wet pavement, low light, and reduced visibility can all make it harder for drivers to stop safely or see other vehicles entering an intersection, increasing the chance of a collision.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Crash in Olympia, WA
If you're involved in a hit-and-run crash, your safety comes first. Pull over if you can do so safely, check on anyone else involved, and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, some injuries from a collision don't show symptoms immediately, so a medical evaluation is worth getting the same day.
Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle while it's fresh, including color, make, direction of travel, and any visible damage. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their accounts and contact information before they leave. Filing a police report promptly gives investigators the best chance of identifying the driver who left the scene.
