Callers reported the vehicle going through the Chkalov area Fred Meyer parking lot and through the surrounding neighborhoods at excessive speeds
The driver of a vehicle involved in multiple collisions Monday morning was taken into custody by Vancouver Police Department officers.
On Monday (Jan. 24) at about 10:20 a.m., several callers to 9-1-1 reported a dark green truck driving erratically in the Cascade Park area of Vancouver. Callers reported the vehicle going through the Chkalov area Fred Meyer parking lot and through the surrounding neighborhoods at excessive speeds.
At times the driver was driving in the wrong lane and drove toward pedestrians who narrowly escaped being hit. The truck continued driving at excessive speeds, hit a parked vehicle and city light pole before crossing the lane of travel and striking a retaining wall in the 14100 block of SE McGillivray Blvd.
The driver continued through the retaining wall into the next house, colliding with a parked vehicle, moving it out of the driveway. The truck hit the garage door, causing the residence significant damage. The truck finally came to rest as it struck a residence on SE McGillivray Blvd., taking out the corner section of the garage.
The driver managed to crawl out of the passenger side window and briefly hide under the truck before being taken into custody by police. He was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Impairment and speed were factors. There were no reported injuries to members of the public related to this incident.
The driver was later identified as Rodney Jarvela, 51. Jarvela was booked into the Clark County Jail for Assault II, DUI, Reckless Driving and Hit & Run.
The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation. Anyone who was the victim of hit and run or property damage related to this incident, and who has not spoken to police yet, should call 3-1-1 to make a report.
Information provided by Vancouver Police Department.
