Two Vancouver men were injured Monday morning when a man trying to kill himself by crashing his car into a concrete wall struck a passing vehicle instead, likely saving his life, according to the Washington State Patrol.
WSP Trooper Will Finn said the crash occurred shortly before 6:45 a.m. at the intersection of Ward Road and Northeast 162nd Avenue in Vancouver. He said Jerry L. Merfeld, 33, drove a 2006 Kia Rio sedan north on Northeast 162nd Avenue through a red light at high speed and crashed into the side of a 2016 GMC Sierra pickup being driven east on Ward Road by Vitaly Haytur, 44.
The impact totaled both vehicles and shoved the pickup into a utility pole, which snapped and exposed underground electrical wiring, according to Finn.
Finn said both men were injured in the crash, but he said their injures did not appear to be life-threatening.
Finn said Merfeld told investigators that he was going 70 mph when he entered the intersection. He reportedly said he had planned to kill himself by crashing into the concrete wall that separates Ward Road from a residential neighborhood. Finn said investigators believe that had the car not crashed into the truck, Merfeld would have been seriously injured or killed.
“He says he’s sorry and remorseful that he involved another motorist,” Finn said. “He’s thankful because he knows that the injuries he would have sustained if he’d followed through and gone through the intersection would have likely killed him.”
Finn said investigators determined that the driver was impaired by prescription medication that had been obtained legally.
Finn said Merfeld could face a vehicular assault charge, depending on Haytur’s injures, but will at least face a DUI charge. Haytur reported neck, shoulder and hip pain but no serious injuries.
Finn said Merfeld is cooperating with investigators.
“He’s glad the follow-through did not happen, and is asking for some help,” Finn said. “Once the investigation is complete, he will be turned over to medical staff so he can receive that help.”
