Woman hospitalized after unknown suspect flees crash site on I-5 in Lewis County

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The Washington State Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run collision on Interstate 5 Wednesday that led to a Kelso woman being transported to Providence Centralia Hospital. 

According to the state patrol, Melissa E. Olmstead, 51, was driving alone in a 2015 Nissan Rogue heading southbound on I-5 at about 5:50 p.m. Feb. 25 when she attempted to pass a vehicle near milepost 66. 

That vehicle sped up and struck Olmstead’s Nissan, causing her vehicle to strike the center median and roll, before coming to a rest and blocking both lanes, according to troopers. 

The other vehicle and its unknown occupants continued southbound without stopping. 



Olmstead, who was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, sustained undisclosed injuries. The Nissan was considered totaled. 

Troopers said the cause of the accident was a failure to yield. It is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved. 

The incident remains under investigation.