Sandy Swimming Hole: Washougal Resident Charged With Killing 2; Victims ID’d

A Washougal man, David Croswell, 71, is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide following Tuesday’s hit-and-run incident at the Sandy Swimming Hole Park in Washougal.

Police also identified the victims, Rudolf Hohstadt, 61, and Regina Hohstadt, 62, who were visiting from Germany.

The authorities said the Hohstadt’s were on vacation and simply relaxing at the park when Croswell sped through the parking lot, plowed through a chain-link fence, and killed both of them. The victims were visiting family and friends in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Sgt. Alex Schoening, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, said the eyewitnesses saw a dark red Jeep Grand Cherokee speeding through the beach, never slowing down, and fleeing the scene on the east side of the park.

Schoening said the Hohstadt’s were transported to an area hospital with severe injuries but died within minutes of arrival. Police located both the suspected vehicle and Croswell within a few hours of the hit and run — less than a mile away from the crime scene. They were aided by surveillance cameras from nearby residents, said Schoening. He said the police are very grateful for that assistance.

“Our hearts go out (to) the victims and their family,” said Washougal Police Commander Allen Cook in a press release.

Croswell was arrested on two counts of vehicular homicide – driving under the influence of intoxicants and two counts of hit-and-run – death. The police said it’s likely more charges could be filed against Croswell. Vehicular homicide is a class A felony. Police also don’t think the Croswell knows the victims, but a full investigation will reveal more details.

The Sandy Swimming Hole park is roped off from the public until the full investigation is completed. The park is a popular summer play area for local youth and families.

See the initial article here: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/06/2-adults-killed-while-sunbathing-at-sandy-swimming-hole.html