Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

PASCO — An area man was taken to a local hospital early this morning after his vehicle was rear-ended on Interstate 182.

Charles L. Seltz, 52, of West Richland, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash; his condition was not immediately available from the hospital.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Seltz was eastbound on the interstate near the Fourth Avenue interchange when he stopped his 1986 Ford Ranger for traffic at about 6:53 a.m.

That's when Cynthia L. Contreras, 34, of Kennewick, struck him from behind, the patrol said, noting she was driving a 2008 Chevrolet HHR, the patrol said, noting she, too, was wearing a seatbelt.

Contreras, who was not injured, was cited for following too close, the patrols aid.