UPDATE
As a result of this morning’s demonstration, 52 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and theft 2. All suspects are in custody at the Lane County Jail.
Six vehicles were towed from the scene.
Today’s incident required a significant law enforcement response. Responding agencies included:
OSP would like to thank area law enforcement agencies for their partnership and response to this incident.
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LANE COUNTY, Ore. 15 April 2024 – At approximately 10:00 a.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to I-5 southbound at milepost 194 in Eugene to reports of protesters blocking the interstate. Protesters blocked all southbound traffic lanes near the Barlow Bridge.
Throughout the incident, demonstrators were given continuous lawful orders to disperse before dozens of people were arrested for disorderly conduct. At least one individual was discovered to be in possession of a firearm.
The interstate traffic was stopped for approximately 45 minutes. Southbound lanes are now open; however, law enforcement remains on the scene while observers continue to gather along the highway.
Oregon State Police supports an individual’s right to lawfully protest and express concerns over world events. However, today’s actions put Oregon’s motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway.
At this time, future comments will be limited due to the ongoing criminal investigations.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Clatsop County, Ore. 10 Apr. 24- On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 12:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 13, in Clatsop County.
The preliminary investigation indicated southbound traffic was stopped for a vehicle attempting to turn left onto Turlay Ln. A southbound Toyota Sienna, operated by David Timothy Schalk Jr. (53) of Astoria, crossed the double yellow line and began passing the stopped traffic in the northbound lane. The Toyota struck the northbound guardrail and was redirected back into the northbound lane where it struck a northbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Marti Ree Lindhorst (68) of Salem. The collision caused the Dodge Ram to roll into the southbound lane and collide with a Kia Soul, operated by Tara Lynne Ragan (55) of Astoria, which was stopped in the southbound lane.
The operator of the Toyota (Schalk Jr.) was injured and transported to a local hospital.
A passenger in the Toyota, Kaleb Allen Shaffer (48) of Warrenton, was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Dodge (Lindhorst) was injured and transported to a local hospital.
The operator of the Kia (Ragan) and passenger, Wendy Lee Sides (53) of Seaside, were injured and transported to a local hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Gearhart Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Department, Warrenton Fire, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Josephine County, Ore. 8 Apr. 24- On Monday, April 8, 2024, at 6:05 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy 260, near milepost 20, in Josephine County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Ram 2500, operated by David Scott Anderson (39) of Wilderville, left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck trees, and overturned.
The operator of the Dodge (Anderson) and passenger, Shelby Mckenzie Spliethof (28) of Wilderville, were both declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 8 April 2024 – On Saturday, April 6, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-5 southbound near milepost 125 in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a blue Chevrolet S-10 was traveling southbound when an object flew out of the back of the truck bed. The driver, Evan Nile Cookman (70) of Winston, pulled onto the right shoulder and exited the vehicle. While attempting to retrieve the object from the interstate, he fell into the left lane of traffic. A black Ford F-550 traveling in the left lane attempted to avoid the subject (Cookman); however, was unable to avoid a collision and struck Cookman.
Cookman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
OSP was assisted by the Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 8 April 2024 – On Saturday, April 6, 2024, at approximately 5:26 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 38 near milepost 30.5 in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a black Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling eastbound when the operator lost control while negotiating a curve. The motorcycle struck the guardrail before coming to an uncontrolled rest in the westbound lane of travel. Multiple motorists stopped and rendered first aid prior to the arrival of emergency services.
The motorcycle operator, Christopher Rein Schuerger (40) of Springfield, was pronounced deceased at the scene despite life-saving measures by a responding trooper and good Samaritans.
Speed and wet roadway conditions contributed to the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, North Douglas Ambulance, Elkton Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 5 April 2024 – A recent traffic stop on Interstate 5 near Roseburg led to the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl headed for the streets of Portland.
On April 1, 2024, just after 9 a.m. an Oregon State Trooper stopped a black Chevrolet sedan near milepost 149 on I-5 north for a traffic violation. The trooper suspected criminal activity and received consent to search the vehicle.
During the search, the trooper located 62 pounds of methamphetamine and 22,000 suspected fentanyl laced pills inside the vehicle. The suspect acknowledged the illegal substances were headed to Portland.
Due to the large quantify of substances seized, the suspect, Oliver Raul Alvarez Beltran (21) of Phoenix (AZ), was arrested and federally charged with attempted delivery of a controlled substance.
The investigation is on-going and no additional information is available for release at this time.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Douglas County, Ore. 4 Apr. 2024- On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 3:00 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 99, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Sally Kaye Bidlake (82) of Canyonville, was kneeling in the slow lane when she was struck by a northbound Toyota Sienna, operated by Miguel Santos (54) of San Mateo (CA).
The pedestrian (Bidlake) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator (Santos) and passengers in the Toyota were not injured.
The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Canyonville Fire Department and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Clackamas County, Ore. 30 Mar. 24- On Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 2:42 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-211, near milepost 3, in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Focus, operated by Kakkera Geethanjali (32) of Hillsboro, was traveling southbound on S. Meridian Rd. when it failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a westbound Jeep Liberty, operated by Benjamin Hernandez-Lopez (18) of Canby. The Jeep struck the driver's side of the Ford as it crossed Hwy-211.
The operator of the Ford (K. Geethanjali) was transported in critical condition. Nareshbabu Kamathman (36) of Hillsboro and a male juvenile (8) were seriously injured and transported for treatment.
A female juvenile (4) passenger of the Ford was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Jeep (Hernandez-Lopez) and a passenger, Janie Corona-Huarta (19) of Canby, were transported with minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Mollala Police Department, Mollala Fire, Monitor Fire District, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Baker County, Ore. 29 Mar. 24- On Friday, March 29, 2024, at 1:57 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 332, in Baker County
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Grand Caravan, operated by Breanna M. Cass (39) of Quincy (WA), was traveling at a slow speed near the right shoulder of the roadway when it was rear-ended by a Peterbilt and trailer, operated by Zackary Scott Acree (37) of Nampa (ID).
The operator of the Dodge (Cass) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Acree) was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Baker Rural Fire, Baker County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.
Deschutes County, Ore. 27 Mar. 24- On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 8:24 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy-97 (Bend Parkway), near milepost 139, in Deschutes County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Freightliner and trailer, operated by Gurwinder Singh (34) of Tracy (CA), struck a pedestrian, James Ray Carter (75) of bend, in the fast lane.
The pedestrian (Carter) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Freightliner (Singh) was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Bend Police Department, Bend Fire and Rescue, Deschutes County Sheriff's Department, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Curry County, Ore. 25 Mar. 24- On Monday, March 25, 2024, at 10:06 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 342, in Curry County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chrysler 300, operated by Warren David Laville (75) of Gold Beach, was stopped for an ODOT flagger when a Toyota Matrix, operated by Elaine Vicky Rosinbaum (55) of Coos Bay, collided with the rear of the Chrysler.
The operator of the Chrysler (Warren Laville) was transported and declared deceased at the hospital. A passenger in the Chrysler, Mary Louise Laville (74) of Gold Beach, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The operator of the Toyota (Rosinbaum) was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The crash is still under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Clatsop County, Ore. 22 Mar. 24- On Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:15 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-202, near milepost 3.5, in Clatsop County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound BMW 328, operated by Alexander Campuzano Luna (22) of Seaside, left the roadway for unknown reasons, overturned, and came to rest upside down in a shallow body of water.
The solo occupant of the BMW was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 6.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time, however speed is being considered a contributing factor.
OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Seaside Fire, Cannon Beach Fire, Olney-Walluski Fire, and ODOT.
Klamath County, Ore. 21 March 24- On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 12:20 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 281, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Ford Econoline van, operated by Carl Francis Kollmar (44) of Klamath Falls, attempted to turn left into a driveway and entered the path of a northbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by Donny Kart Starr (51) of Turlock (CA). The vehicles collided head-on resulting in the Ford van being pushed backward into a southbound Ford Focus, operated by Kessandra Malan Boyd Zambrano (29) of Haquaim (WA).
A passenger in the Ford Econoline, Scott Lane Nelson (67) of Klamath Falls, was transported and later declared deceased at a local hospital. The operator of the Ford Econoline (Kollmar) reportedly suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Starr) was reportedly not injured.
The operator of the Ford Focus (Boyd Zambrano) reportedly suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The crash investigation is ongoing.
OSP was assisted by District 1 Fire and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
MARION/YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. 22 March 2024 – The Oregon State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with locating a vehicle and driver involved in a collision with a pedestrian on the bridge between Newberg and St. Paul on Highway 219.
The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m.
A pedestrian was walking southbound along the side of the road and was struck by the side mirror of a passing vehicle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The vehicle is believed to be a newer model (2017-2022) Ford Super Duty pickup and will likely have damage to the passenger side mirror.
Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP at 800-442-0776 or dial *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number #SP24083039.
Sherman County, Ore. 18 March 24- On Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 47, in Sherman County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Volkswagen Beetle, operated by Jayden Matthew Smith (23) of Prineville, crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a Volvo commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Kashmir Singh (36) of Tacoma (WA), head-on. The collision caused both vehicles to catch fire and become fully engulfed.
The operator of the Volkswagen (Smith) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Volvo (CMV) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 6.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Sherman County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.