Detectives are still working to identify the driver of a Sunday night hit-and-run that killed two women despite locating what they believe is the vehicle that hit the women, according to Vancouver Police Department spokeswoman Kim Kapp.
Detectives served a search warrant Tuesday night at Larkspur Place apartments, 7609 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive, and seized a white pickup that has front-end damage.
Raisa Mosh, 45, and Irina Gardinant, 28, were walking across Northeast Vancouver Mall Drive at Northeast 72nd Avenue about 8 p.m. Sunday when a white truck took a quick left turn and struck the women before leaving the scene, police said. Mosh died at the scene, and Gardinant died later at an area hospital.
The third pedestrian with the group, identified as Mosh’s 12-year-old son, suffered minor injures in the crash.
Following the crash, Vancouver police launched a campaign to find the white pickup along with a black pickup that went through the intersection shortly after the crash by asking for help from the public.
Kapp said that police have still not located the black pickup or its driver.
Investigators continue to seek tips and ask that anyone who has any information about the crash to call 911 or the Vancouver Police Tip Line at 360-487-7402.
Additionally, the agency submitted the case to Crime Stoppers of Oregon, which is offering up to $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the hit-and-run case.
People can leave tips to crime stoppers online at crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit.php; by texting “823HELP” to the number 274637 (CRIMES), followed by the tip; or by calling 503-823-4357 and leaving the tip information.
Irina Germanova, Mosh’s niece, spoke on behalf of her aunt’s family and the family of Gardinant.
“We’re glad that they found the truck and we’re very thankful to the community for helping out with the investigation,” she said. “We’re also thankful to the (Vancouver) police department for their tireless efforts.
“Everyone we’ve worked with has been absolutely wonderful: at the hospital, at the police department, as well as Evergreen Memorial Gardens.”
A memorial for Mosh and Gardinant is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Word of Grace Bible Church in Battle Ground. The public is invited to attend.
