Rocky D. Lovelady was booked into the Clark County jail on multiple charges

A hit-and-run suspect was arrested Monday after attempting to elude law enforcement officers by fleeing onto the Washington State University Vancouver campus.

On Monday (July 3) at 1:34 p.m., a report of an overturned vehicle was called into 9-1-1 by a motorist at the intersection of NE 29^th Ave and NE 145^th St. It was reported a gold-colored minivan was involved and the driver ran from the vehicle towards the WSU campus to the East of NE 29^th Ave. 

Further investigation by deputies revealed the gold minivan was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on NE 29^th Ave and collided with a vehicle it was attempting to pass. The minivan continued southbound striking a residential retaining wall and subsequently flipping over coming to a stop in the roadway. The concrete debris from the retaining wall collision was propelled into a parked vehicle at a residence severely damaging that vehicle.

Witnesses provided a description of a male suspect who ran eastbound onto the WSU campus to flee the scene. Sheriff’s deputies and WSU police contained the area of the campus to begin a search of the area for the suspect. 

A Sheriff’s Office deputy using a drone spotted a subject in the tree line at the south-west corner of the WSU campus. K9 deputy and his partner were directed to this area and after a short search a male subject was located by Sheriff’s Office K9 “Riggs” hiding in the brush. The male located matched the description of the suspect who ran from the collision.

Area resident Rocky D Lovelady, a 23-year-old male, was positively identified as the suspect who ran from the vehicle. Witness descriptions and video evidence confirmed Lovelady was involved. Lovelady was assessed by medics on scene. He was then transported to an area hospital for medical care and collection of further evidence. 

While at the hospital, Lovelady assaulted hospital staff while being treated. This resulted in additional charges for which he would be arrested to include charges stemming from the vehicle collision.

Rocky D Lovelady was booked into the Clark County jail on the following charges;

Assault 3, Felony Hit and Run with Injury, DUI, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run Property Damage, and Driving While License Suspended 2^nd Degree.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office would like to express thanks to the WSU police department for their assistance with this investigation. There was no imminent threat or danger to the WSU campus or its community members.

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.