Driving under the influence was the cause behind a crash that left four injured north of Raymond on Tuesday afternoon.

Donnie M. Hendrickson, 63, Raymond, was charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular assault and driving under the influence after striking a vehicle carrying three, including a child, head-on at about 4:21 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, according to a Washington State Patrol report.

Hendrickson was headed north on U.S. Highway 101 driving a 2000 Toyota pickup northbound on the highway around milepost 60 when he drifted off the roadway to the right, overcorrected into the southbound lane, and struck an oncoming vehicle. Pacific County fire and rescue departments responded to the incident alongside the Washington State Patrol, said Trooper Katherine Weatherwax.

The oncoming vehicle, a 1998 Ford SUV, was being driven by a 41-year-old woman, and was carrying a 47-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy, all Long Beach residents. Hendrickson came to rest in the southbound ditch, while the Ford stopped in the southbound lane, according to the report.

All four were transported for further care, and Hendrickson was charged, according to the report. Hendrickson is still hospitalized for broken bones, including his clavicle and elbow, and lumbar and ankle fractures. The adult male passenger of the other vehicle is also still hospitalized with broken bones and internal bleeding, Weatherwax said. All four were wearing their seatbelts. Both vehicles were totalled.

Hendrickson’s blood was taken for testing, and drug use was suspected in the case, Weatherwax said.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.