Harrah man dies, another ejected from car near Brownstown

BROWNSTOWN, Wash. — A 20-year-old Harrah man died Sunday morning when the stolen car he was riding in crashed just west of here, the Washington State Patrol reported.

Barrett Bettle was declared dead at the scene on Barkes Road near Progressive Road.

The 15-year-old Wapato driver, whose name was not released, was being treated at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital for cuts and a possible broken arm, Sgt. Ed McAvoy said.

About 8:30 a.m., the Nissan Altima was southbound on Barkes when it left the road to the east, rolled and came to rest on its wheels in the northbound lane. Both occupants, who were not wearing seat belts, were ejected.

The driver fled but was caught at a nearby residence, authorities said.

The Nissan’s Yakima owner discovered the car stolen after the crash, McAvoy said.

Intoxicants were involved, but the cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to a news release. Any possible charges are pending.