Man Charged With Driving Over Teen On Yakima Reservation

A man who authorities say drove his car over a teenage girl on the Yakama Reservation has been charged with federal involuntary manslaughter.  Joshua Cole Sampson, 34, was has been charged with the June 1^st death of 17-year-old Petrona Mendez Ruiz.  Investigators say Sampson’s SUV left the roadway and ran over Ruiz while she was working in a field.  Investigators at the scene reported Sampson had been drinking.  A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

Roberto Mendez Garcia, Ruiz’s father, said he and his daughter came to the U.S. from Guatemala in March to work and send money home to his wife and four other children.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com