Graffiti Getaway Driver Loses Joust With Tree, 2 Arrested

A 20-year-old woman is in jail, and a 16-year-old hopefully getting his' you-know-what' kicked after an incident late Wednesday night.

A Kennewick officer on patrol around 11:30PM spotted a young teen spraying graffiti on a vehicle in the 100 block of North Fruitland. As the officer approached to contact them, the teen jumped into a waiting vehicle and sped away.

But the officer didn't have to pursue them very long, as the car slammed into a tree near the intersection of West Albany and North Ione Streets.

Two people bailed out of the car and were not located, but the driver, identified as 20-year-old Laura Mares, was arrested on charges of reckless driving and booked after being cleared of injuries at Trios Southridge ER. A 16-year-old, the likely "painter," was arrested for malicious mischief then released to the custody of his parents.

The search for the other two suspects continues.