Ritzville man facing assault charge after allegedly injuring woman with car

A Ritzville man suspected of injuring a woman with his car may be facing a charge of second degree assault.

Wade Hippen, 31, was arrested after a June 28 incident. The court found for probable cause, and the state can bring charges. Hippen could also face charges of violating a protective order, because the victim had an active protective order against him.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, which has been obtained by The Journal, police responded to a 911 call on June 28 at 2:11 p.m.

In the affidavit, Ritzville Police Department officer Matthew Carlson wrote that the victim, a female, had visible injuries to her face when he arrived on the scene.

According to Carlson in the affidavit, the victim told police that Hippen stopped by her home to see her. The affidavit states she said they argued, and Hippen decided to leave. She, not wanting him to leave, tried to block his path. The victim alleges that Hippen struck her with his car when he was attempting to leave.

Carlson wrote in the statement that police later discovered a Domestic Violence Protective Order was still in effect, barring Hippen from having contact with the victim.

Hippen was arrested. Public defender Carson Van Valkenburg has been assigned by the court as defense counsel. Bail has been set at $30,000.