New details / murder investigation | News

Teen Kyle Snook is charged with murder after he allegedly drove through a gathering at Hunt Creek Rock Pit in Clatsop County, killing one person and injuring others.

At approximately 4 a.m. on July 25, Clatsop County officers were called to the rock pit east of Nicolai Mountain on Highway 30 for a report of a hit-and-run accident.

Officers investigating the incident learned that there had been a large gathering at the rock pit and Snook left the area after allegedly driving his vehicle through a crowd.

Three people in the crowd were seriously injured in the collision with the vehicle. Robert Betschart, of Rainier, died as a result of his injuries, according to the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office.

Snook was later arrested in Rainier by members of the Clatsop County Major Crimes Team.

Snook is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, five counts of aggravated vehicular assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants. Snook is being held at the Cowlitz Detention Center. Young offenders are sent to this facility because there is no juvenile detention center in Clatsop County.

Snook is scheduled to appear at a status hearing on August 5.

Brown said the investigation was expanding to reach any witnesses who may have been at the scene.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to call Clatsop County Detective Justin Dersham at 503-325-8635.