Moses Lake Man Faces Felony Charges After Hit-and-Run Collision Injuring Othello Couple

On April 19, 2025, a serious traffic incident unfolded just north of Othello, Washington, leaving two individuals injured and prompting legal action against the responsible driver. According to the Washington State Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 8:26 p.m. on State Route 17 near milepost 31, when 19-year-old Demetrio D. Robles of Moses Lake, driving a black 2017 BMW northbound, crossed the center line and struck a southbound gray 2010 Mazda 3 sedan head-on. The impact forced both vehicles off the roadway and down an embankment on the west side. Robles fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended by authorities, uninjured, while the Mazda’s occupants, Nancy Cortes, 44, and Aquilino A. Cortes, 47, both of Othello, sustained injuries requiring treatment at Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

The Washington State Patrol has confirmed that Robles now faces multiple felony charges, including hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and violating an ignition interlock restriction. Notably, investigators have ruled out drugs and alcohol as contributing factors in the crash. Both vehicles have been seized as evidence by WSP District 6 investigators.