BG body identified as missing woman; hit-run suspected

Battle Ground police are investigating the death of Tatyana Tupikova as a hit-and-run, the department said Saturday afternoon.

Her body was discovered Friday afternoon in a ditch along the east side of state Route 503 between Eaton Boulevard and Main Street in Battle Ground.

Police released her identity this afternoon in a news release.

She had been missing since Wednesday night but was not reported as a missing person until Thursday.

At this time, Battle Ground Police are investigating the incident as a hit and run.

An autopsy was performed this morning at the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.

Detectives are seeking witnesses who might have seen any suspicious activity at aroubnd 9 p.m. Wednesday just north of the Battle Ground Cinemas.

Anyone with information about a suspect vehicle can call Detective Joshua Phelps at 360-342-5254 or email him at at Joshua.Phelps@cityofbg.org. There is also a tip line at www.cityofbg.org/tips where an anonymous tip can be sent.

The Regional Major Crimes team, comprised of detectives from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver Police Department and the Washington State Patrol, also is investigating the death.