Sheriff’s office: Suspected hit-and-run driver allegedly pulls gun on witness

Clark County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a driver apparently involved in a hit-and-run who allegedly pulled a gun on a witness Monday night.

The suspect has been identified as Jesse J. France, 28, of Vancouver, Sgt. Chad Rothenberger said in a release. France is about 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds and has blue eyes.

The incident started around 8 p.m. Monday when sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on St. Johns Road, Rothenberger said. The suspect vehicle accelerated away on eastbound 78th Street. Deputies did not pursue the car.

Several minutes later, a crash was reported near Walnut Grove Elementary School, 6103 N.E. 72nd Ave. A car involved in the crash was identified as the car that fled from deputies, Rothenberger said.

Witnesses said the suspect car was speeding before it hit another car on 72nd Avenue and ran into a telephone pole. The suspect, later identified as France, fled on foot and was followed by a witness, according to the release.

The suspect confronted the witness with a handgun and told him to stop following, Rothenberger said.

Deputies and police dogs were unable to find the suspect.

Anyone with information on France’s location is asked to call 911.