Darwin Rueda Arrested in Shocking Crash on SR 397 [Benton County, WA]

Benton County, WA (June 15, 2025) — On Saturday morning, 22-year-old Darwin Rueda was arrested after allegedly taking a vehicle without permission, causing an injury crash, and attempting to steal another car near Finley.

The incident happened shortly before 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Bowles Road and State Route 397 in Benton County. Investigators said Darwin Manuel Mendoza Rueda took his father’s box truck and drove along SR 397 before turning onto Bowles Road, where he crashed head-on into a vehicle stopped at a stop sign.

After the collision, witnesses reported that Mendoza Rueda exited the truck and tried to enter a passing vehicle. The driver quickly locked the doors, preventing the attempted carjacking.

Authorities said Mendoza Rueda then fled on foot along Bowles Road. Deputies with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested him a short time later.

The driver of the struck vehicle suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Officials have not released an update on the victim’s condition.

Mendoza Rueda was booked on suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run, attempted vehicle theft, and obstruction. The crash remains under investigation.

Traffic collisions can happen anytime, but their impact lasts a lifetime. Stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. Always wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. Keep a safe distance between vehicles and adjust your speed for road conditions.

Never drive under the influence. Impaired driving endangers lives and leads to devastating consequences. Always choose a sober ride—your decision can save lives.

Crashes involving impaired or reckless driving can have serious and lasting consequences. Drivers should always stay alert, obey traffic laws, and never get behind the wheel while under the influence. Taking responsible actions on the road helps protect everyone in the community.

---

Why the Right Lawyer Matters After a Traffic Accident

A traffic accident can change your life in an instant. Along with physical injuries, many victims face emotional stress, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. Navigating this difficult period is much easier with the right personal injury lawyer on your side.

At Sweet Lawyers, we bring over 40 years of experience helping accident victims pursue justice and fair compensation. Our attorneys understand how complex traffic accident cases can be, and we’re committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.

How Sweet Lawyers Can Help You

Decades of Legal Experience

From minor crashes to serious injury cases, our team has handled it all. We know how to build strong claims and apply traffic laws effectively to support your case.

Focused on Maximizing Compensation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We work to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may need.

We Handle the Insurance Companies

You don’t have to deal with insurance adjusters or complicated paperwork. Our attorneys manage all communications and negotiations so you can focus on healing.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case. High-quality legal representation should never add to your financial stress.

Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Unsure what to do next? We offer free consultations to help you understand your options before making any decisions.

Choosing a Sweet Lawyers personal injury attorney means having a compassionate, experienced legal team fighting for you—so you can focus on recovery and moving forward.

📞 Call Sweet Lawyers today at (800) 674-7852 or reach out through our website to schedule your free consultation.

We’re available 24/7 and ready to help you pursue the justice and peace of mind you deserve.