Girl, 6, injured in rear-end vehicle collision

Multiple citations were issued in association with a crash Tuesday night that resulted in a 6-year-old girl being hospitalized with abdominal pains, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Michael A. Sovel was allegedly driving under the influence of unspecified drugs, with the child in the front seat, when the vehicle he was driving collided with the rear of an SUV near the intersection of state Highway 500 and Falk Road. The accident happened about 7 p.m.

Kelly L. Szabo, 44, of Vancouver was stopped at a traffic light on eastbound Highway 500 waiting to turn left when her Toyota SUV was struck from behind.

Six-year-old Katie Sovel was not seated in a car or booster seat, according to the state patrol. She was in satisfactory condition Wednesday night at Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Sovel, 37, of Vancouver was cited for DUI, reckless endangerment, speeding and not having a proper child restraint, according to a bulletin issued by the WSP. Charges will be referred to prosecutors for review. His Mitsubishi Montero incurred $2,000 worth of damage. Szabo’s 4Runner sustained about $1,000 damage.

Szabo and Michael Sovel were not injured.