Suspect sought after hit-and-run accident near Vernita Bridge | Columbia Basin

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is asking for the public's help in locating Bruce Roderick, a person of interest in connection with a serious hit-and-run crash that occurred Thursday evening, September 12. The crash occurred on State Route 24 near mile marker 43, just south of the Vernita Bridge in Benton County, at approximately 5:27 p.m.

According to WSP, the accident involved a black Dodge Grand Caravan (model year 2011) and a silver BMW sedan (model year 2013). The BMW was traveling east on SR 24 when it was struck head-on by the Dodge. The driver of the BMW was seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

Witnesses reported seeing two people fleeing the scene immediately after the accident. One of them was identified as Bruce Roderick. Despite a thorough search by police, Roderick is still missing.

Due to the serious injuries sustained by the BMW driver and the severity of the accident, WSP is asking anyone with information on Bruce Roderick's whereabouts or details of the incident to come forward.

If you have any information, please contact WSP Detective Ryan Sauve at (509) 572-5161 or (509) 734-5817. You may also email tips to [email protected].