Three people were injured near Lake Merwin on Saturday (Sept. 26) after a motorcycle collided head-on with an SUV on state Route 503, according to a Washington State Patrol (WSP) press memo.
The motorcyclist, Edward A. Aruja, 32, of Vancouver, was airlifted to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center following the incident. He was reportedly wearing a federally compliant helmet at the time of the collision.
According to the press memo, Aruja was riding a 2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 northbound on Route 503 near milepost 41 at about 5:20 p.m. when he crossed the center line and struck a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
The driver of the Crosstrek, Leslie A. Simons, 76, of Cougar, was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center following the collision, as was the lone passenger, James E. Macarthur, 74, of Cougar.
Both were reportedly wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.Troopers said Aruja was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision. He faces possible charges, according to the memo.WSP said the cause of the collision is under investigation.
No drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident.
Both vehicles were considered totaled.
This report was first published by The Reflector Newspaper.
