Mesa man injured in highway crash

OTHELLO A – Mesa man was injured in an early morning crash Thursday, Feb. 8, on state Highway 24.

Justin K. Jepson, 48, was injured and transported to a Richland hospital at about 2:48 a.m., the Washington State Patrol reported.

Jepson is also facing charges in the crash that occurred 17 miles southwest of the city, the patrol reported.

According to a crash report, Jepson was westbound in a 2008 Toyota Prius near Milepost 58 at the time of the crash.

Jepson allegedly crossed the centerline at struck an eastbound 2003 Peterbilt truck towing a Wilx trailer, the report said. The vehicles collided head-on in the eastbound lane.

The driver of the truck, Patrick J. Childs, 48, of Ellensburg, was wearing a seatbelt, the report said, noting he was not injured.

Jepson was not wearing a seatbelt, the report said.

At press time, the patrol did not know if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The Prius was towed from the scene by Royal Towing.

The truck and trailer were towed by Davis Towing.