On Monday November 19, 2018, at about 3:22PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 199 near milepost 30.5, south of Cave Junction, in Josephine County.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 1993 Chevy S10 Blazer, operated by Evelyn Parmerlee (89) of Cave Junction, was traveling south on Hwy 199. Parmerlee attempted to turn left onto Pinewood Way when her vehicle crashed head-on with a brown 1988 Ford Bronco II, operated by Michael Finley II (54) of Cave Junction.
Parmerlee suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.
Finley and his passenger, Rachel Lawson (44) of Cave Junction were transported by AMR ambulance to Three Rivers Medical Center with serious injuries.
US Hwy 199 was closed for approximately 3 hours after the crash.
OSP was assisted on scene by Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Illinois Valley Fire, American Medical Response, and ODOT.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the person(s) responsible for shooting a bull elk on the evening of Friday, November 16, 2018 in Jackson County.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the elk was shot and partially cut up off of South Fork Little Butte Creek Road about 2 miles from Lake Creek.
A vehicle of interest is a dark colored SUV that was observed in the area around 9:15pm on that evening after rifle shots were heard. Anyone with information about this or any other vehicles or individuals seen in the area on or about the timeframe listed is asked to call with information.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Sergeant Jim Collom at (541)841-0416 or through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (677).
** Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators**
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards:
* 5 Points-Bighorn Sheep
* 5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat
* 5 Points-Moose
* 5 Points-Wolf
* 4 Points-Elk
* 4 Points-Deer
* 4 Points-Antelope
* 4 Points-Bear
* 4 Points-Cougar
Or the TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.
CASH REWARDS:
* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf
* $300 Habitat Destruction
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl
* $100 Furbearers
* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677)
TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)
On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at approximately 6:15 AM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 89.
Initial investigation revealed that a 2000 Dodge Ram PU, operated by Zachary Rivera (32) from Mulino, OR, was westbound on Interstate 84 when the vehicle hit the guardrail, crossed both lanes, and went down an embankment on the south side of Interstate 84.
Rivera was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Oregon State Police were assisted by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue and ODOT.
CORRECTION - Richard Hillmann
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On November 22, 2017, Richard Hillmann attended a day before Thanksgiving gathering at a friend’s house on Pleasant Valley Road in Josephine County. He left the party between 8 - 9 PM in his green 1997 Toyota SR5 pickup (OR License VWT 361) and has not been seen since.
Hillmann's residence is within 5 miles of the Pleasant Valley gathering.
The Oregon State Police adopted the case in March of 2018 and has interviewed many witnesses, friends, and neighbors. Hillmann had few close associates and primarily stayed to himself.
Investigators believe that Hillmann is the victim of foul play and the person(s) involved were known to Hillman.
Oregon State Police investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating Hillman and/or his vehicle. If anyone has seen Hillmann, the vehicle, or have any information regarding his disappearance they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 or *OSP and reference case number SP18-076662 / Detective John Anderson.
On Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 8:44 pm Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian on Hwy 99 milepost 4.5.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Ford F150 PU, operated by Jordan Abbasi (33) of Missouri City,
Texas, was traveling northbound on Hwy 99 near milepost 4.5 when he hit a pedestrian in the roadway. The pedestrian , identified as Bonnie Weyburn (52) from Vancouver, WA. was transported to the hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Abbasi was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.
OSP was assisted by EMS, Jackson County Fire, and ODOT.
On Friday, November 9, 2018 the Oregon State Police responded to the Crissey Field State Recreation Center for an assault.
Investigation reveals that at approximately 1:30 PM an adult female was hiking on trails in the park when she was attacked. The attacker had been hiding in the brush adjacent to the trail. The victim was able to fight off the suspect and flee the area. She called 911 and Oregon State Police Troopers and Curry County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and checked the area.
The suspect is still outstanding and is described as a white male adult, early 40’s, with stringy chin length dark hair, and a medium length beard. He was wearing blue and gray plaid jacket, dark dirty jeans, and black boots.
Anyone with information is requested to call the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 or *OSP from your mobile device.
Investigation is continuing no further information is available at this time.
Investigation shows that dispatch received and was receiving calls of a person standing in the roadway. Before emergency personnel could arrive the pedestrian, identified as Brian Caine (50) of Bellevue, WA, was struck by multiple vehicles.
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All lanes of Interstate 5 are now open. Drivers should expect delays in the area while the backup is cleared.
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On November 7, 2018 at approximately 4:30 AM. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Interstate 5 near milepost 274 - southbound lanes.
The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Investigation is ongoing - expect delays in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Richard James Ocoyne (46) from Cave Junction.
The homeowner is cooperating with the investigation.
Investigation is continuing and any further information will be released in cooperation with the Josephine County DA's office.
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On Friday, November 2, 2018 at approximately 8:00 AM. Oregon State Police Troopers and Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a shooting in Cave Junction.
Investigation has revealed that a male drove up to a house on Kenrose Lane and began shooting at the residence. One of the occupants of the residence shot back at the vehicle. The male suspect in the vehicle was shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene,
The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Team will continue the investigation.
No further information will be released at this time.
On Sunday, November 4, 2018 at approximately 7:55 AM. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 212 near Damascus.
Investigation revealed that 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Christopher Meyn (49) from Lake Oswego, was eastbound on Hwy 212 when for unknown reasons crossed into the westbound lanes and into the path of a Peterbilt dump style truck, (loaded with animal feed) operated by Richard Albrecht (59) from Gresham.
Meyn sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The three male juvenile passengers in the Chevrolet were transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Albrecht was treated for minor injuries.
OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas County Fire, and ODOT
On October 29th, 2018 at approximately 1:38 AM. Hood River County Sheriff's Deputy George Economou stopped to check on a vehicle that was parked at the Mitchell Point Trailhead.
As Deputy Economou was walking towards the vehicle the operator backed out of the parking stall, drove around the parking lot, and drove towards the deputy. Deputy Economou, who was still outside his vehicle, fired several rounds from his duty weapon towards the vehicle. The vehicle continued and hit the patrol car and then traveled approximately 15 yards down an embankment.
The operator of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. He was identified as Lonnie Stinnett (50) from Garibaldi, OR. Stinnett, who was not injured, was lodged at Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility in The Dalles on charges of Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
Deputy Economou has been a deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office for almost one year. He was not injured as a result of the incident.
The Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team which includes members from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Police Department, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police responded to conduct the investigation.
Any further information will be released from the Hood River County District Attorney’s Office.
On October 11, 2018, John Edward Vezina (66) was last seen at his residence on Lower Wolf Creek Rd. in Josephine County.
On October 16, 2018 Vezina was reported as missing to the Josephine County Sheriff's Department . Vezina is described as 5'10" tall, weighing 180 lbs, with gray hair and brown eyes.
On October 27, 2018, Vezina's Toyota Tundra was located in the Glendale area of Douglas County. Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies responded and Douglas County SAR was activated, but they were unable to locate him.
On October 31, 2018 the Oregon State Police was requested to assist with investigating the circumstances around Vezina's disappearance.
The Oregon State Police is requesting anyone with information regarding Vezina to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch center at 541-776-6111 or *OSP.
The operator of the commercial motor vehicle involved is Rajanvir Singh (31) from Federal Way, Washington.
The pedestrian involved is Ryan Barnes (38) from Central Point.
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On Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at approximately 8:25 PM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a commercial motor vehicle that had struck a pedestrian on Interstate 5 near mile post 34.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Freightliner was traveling southbound on Interstate 5 when it struck a pedestrian. The operator of the commercial motor vehicle is fully cooperating with the investigation.
The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Oregon State Police was assisted at the scene by EMS and Fire personnel and ODOT.
On October 22, 2018, the Oregon State Police received information from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Department of human remains discovered on a trail off of Illinois River Rd. approximately 2 miles from Selma.
Detectives responded and found the skeletal remains of 77 year old Milton STRICKLAND. Information indicates STRICKLAND is from Florida, but has spent time in Coos and Curry counties.
The Oregon State Police are asking for the public’s help regarding STRICKLAND and anyone associated with him. The public is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 541-776-6111 and reference case number SP18-395528. The lead investigator is Detective John Anderson.
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On October 22, 2018 a hiker located the remains of a body on a trail off of Illinois River Rd. approximately 2 miles from Selma.
The Medical Examiner will be examining the remains in an attempt to confirm/determine the gender, age, approximate time of death, and circumstances. Investigators believe that it is the remains of an adult male.
Oregon State Police are continuing to investigate and will release more information when appropriate/available.
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Oregon State Police is investigating a death near the Selma area in Josephine County.
No further information is available for release at this time.
Oregon State Police is pleased to announce our Forensic Services Division has finished processing the backlog of thousands of old “SAFE - kits” sent in by police agencies around the state. These kits -- Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence kits (sometimes incorrectly called “rape kits”) are used to collect evidence from victims of sexual assault.
Prior to the Oregon Legislature’s passage of SB1571 in 2016, Oregon police agencies submitted SAFE kits for DNA analysis only when the test results could potentially help solve or prove the crime being investigated. As a result, more than 5,000 kits were retained in evidence storage at police agencies around the state. In passing SB-1571 the Oregon Legislature recognized both the future crime-fighting value added by growing the database of “DNA fingerprints”, and the intrinsic value many survivors, victims, and victim’s families found in the testing.
Oregon Police Chiefs and Sheriffs partnered with the State Police to provide an accounting of sexual assault kits, so public safety leadership could assess the pending workload and establish new submission protocols to manage it efficiently.
The passage of SB 1571, and the Legislature’s support of additional staffing in the State Police crime lab, made it possible for the OSP Forensic Services Division to process thousands of SAFE kits over the last two years. At the same time, with help from the Multnomah County DA’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, and the District Attorneys in Lane County and Marion County, grant funding was secured to pay for outside testing of the oldest kits from police agencies in those counties. State Police scientists entered eligible “DNA fingerprint” profiles from both testing sources into the FBI’s national database (CODIS).
Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton said, “For the sake of justice and Oregon’s sexual assault survivors, Oregon’s public safety leaders made the submission and testing of SAFE kits a priority at all levels of law enforcement. This success story would not have been possible without the collaboration of Oregon’s Chiefs of Police, Sheriffs, District Attorneys, legislators, health workers, and sexual assault survivors and their advocates.”
Superintendent Hampton added, “I’m very proud of the State Police Forensic Scientists in all our crime laboratories. They achieved remarkable results on a very demanding and technically challenging project.”
Governor Kate Brown said “As a longtime advocate for survivors of sexual assault, addressing the backlog of SAFE kits in Oregon has been a priority of my administration. This project is the perfect example of what can happen when diverse stakeholders work together to right a wrong. Although success cannot come overnight, key investments in funding and the steady work of our State Police Forensic Scientists show that success is achievable.”
By working together with other capable Oregon partners, Oregon has become one of the few states in the country to fully eliminate the SAFE kit backlog.
On Saturday, October 27, 2018, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a subject who had been shot in the leg in the Sunny Valley area.
Deputies responded to the area and located a male subject who had a minor injury to their leg from an apparent gun shot. Initial information is the injured subject was riding in the back of a pickup with several other individuals who were hunting in the local mountains.
While driving down the mountain, they drove into an area where they were confronted by several individuals who were armed. At least one round was fired towards the hunter’s vehicle, causing the injury.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section and the Oregon State Police SWAT Team.
On Monday, October 29, 2018, with the assistance of the OSP SWAT Team, a search warrant was served at the address of 9998 Jump Off Joe Creek Road. Several people were contacted at the property and interviewed related to the October 27 incident. Two persons at the residence were determined to have valid felony arrest warrants from Missouri. They were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail.
Those subjects were identified as…
- Akeem Lorenzo White, age 27, of Missouri, lodged on a warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Dangerous Drugs.
- Robert Paul Frenchie, age 26, of Missouri, lodged on a warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Dangerous Drugs.
Detectives from the OSP Major Crimes Team, along with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Department are continuing the investigation into the shooting. No other arrests have been made at this time and no further information is available at this time.
On October 26, 2018 at approximately 6:15pm, the Oregon State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash US Highway 26 near the intersection of E Cascade Dr.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a silver 2005 Honda Odyessy driven by Kevin D LUDWIG, age 33 of SE Portland, was traveling eastbound on US 26 near milepost 39 in the city of Welches. A witness initially observed LUDWIG traveling on the shoulder at approximate 5 mph, then for an unknown reason LUDWIG accelerated eastbound in a diagonal manner crossing the westbound lanes of travel. LUDWIG drove onto a soft shoulder and collided into a tree.
LUDWIG sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash after lifesaving measures by medical personnel.
Next of kin notification was made.
Oregon State Police was assisted by Hoodland Fire Department, American Medical Response, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The deceased has been identified as Robert Barry (58) from Washington State.
The resident has been identified as Alan Frost (77).
Investigation is continuing.
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On October 24, 2018 at approximately 6:20 PM. Oregon State Police Troopers and Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a shooting call in the 4000 block of Foothills Blvd.
Upon arrival officers located a deceased male on the deck of the residence.
The residents, an elderly couple, have cooperated with the investigation and told investigators that the husband shot the male in self defense.
Oregon State Police Detectives and the Josephine County District Attorney's office are continuing the investigation.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the person(s) responsible for shooting a 5-point bull elk on the evening of Friday, October 19 or the morning of Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the animal was shot and left to waste in a clear-cut 5 miles west of Cougar Creek Road and approximately 8 miles southwest of Tyee and the Umpqua River.
Two vehicles of interest are a late 1980’s or 1990’s model, red Ford Ranger two door truck occupied by a male and a female approximately 20-30 years of age; and a white full-size 4 door truck occupied by two adult males approximately 40-50 years of age. Anyone with information about these or any other vehicles or individuals seen in the area on or about the timeframe listed is asked to call with information.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Sr. Trooper Stone at 541-817-4472 or through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (677).
** Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators**
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards:
* 5 Points-Mountain Sheep
* 5 Points-Mountain Goat
* 5 Points-Moose
* 5 Points-Wolf
* 4 Points-Elk
* 4 Points-Deer
* 4 Points-Antelope
* 4 Points-Bear
* 4 Points-Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.
CASH REWARDS:
* $1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf
* $300 Habitat Destruction
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl
* $100 Furbearers
* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677)
TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)
The operator of the Toyota PU has been identified as Ryan Hitt (32) from Ashland.
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On Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at approximately 5:00 PM. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on I-5 at milepost 25.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 1985 Toyota PU was southbound on Interstate 5 when for unknown reasons left the roadway and traveled onto the shoulder where it rolled and came to rest in some blackberry bushes adjacent to the freeway.
The operator was not wearing a safety belt and was ejected from the vehicle. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Oregon State Police was assisted by Jackson County Fire and ODOT.
The 2012 Kenworth truck was operated by Charles Stephens (59) from Eugene.
Traffic is being controlled by flaggers as the spill is cleaned.
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Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are on scene of a commercial motor vehicle crash on Hwy 38 mile post 21, near Scottsburg in Douglas County.
Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 9:45 PM. a 2012 Kenworth truck towing double fuel tanks was westbound on Hwy 38 when it struck a large black cow standing in the roadway. Vehicle lost control and traveled off the roadway and struck a power pole.
The operator of the truck sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The cow is deceased.
The commercial motor vehicle was carrying 7500 gallons of gasoline and 2500 gallons of diesel fuel. An unknown amount of each substance has leaked out of the tanks. Hazmat/cleanup crews are on scene assessing the amount of the leak and the environmental impact.
Hwy 38 will be closed throughout the morning and possibly the afternoon while the spill is cleaned and contained.
OSP is being assisted by Scottsburg Fire and Rescue, Elkton Fire and Rescue, Reedsport Fire and Rescue, Roseburg Hazmat, North Douglas County Fire, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Douglas Electric Cooperative, and ODOT
As a result of numerous complaints of illegal gillnetting on the Columbia River at the Deschutes River Sanctuary, Oregon State Police in conjunction with Columbia River Inter Tribal Fisheries Enforcement (CRITFE) and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Police conducted nighttime boat patrols to address the illegal gillnetting complaints. The operations were conducted on September 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2018.
As a result of the saturation patrols at least one commercial fishing boat was contacted inside the sanctuary on every night of the four day saturation. During the four day enforcement patrols, numerous contacts were made with the majority of the commercial fisherman being legal and happy to see enforcement.
18-commercial boats were contacted
46-commercial fisherman contacted
3-Commercial boats were located actively gillnetting within the Deschutes River sanctuary
1-Commercial boat was located actively gillnetting within the John Day Dam sanctuary.
5-criminal citations for Fishing Closed Waters; Columbia River Mouth of Deschutes River Sanctuary
2-criminal citations for Fishing Closed Waters; Columbia River Lower John Day Dam Sanctuary
2-warrant arrests, with one of the warrants for; Fail to appear on a Commercial Fishing violation from last year
1-arrest for False Information to police officer
1-arrest for Commercial Fishing without tribal/treaty rights.
5-citations for operating vessels without required navigational lights
8-warnings for No Tribal Identification on Person while exercising commercial fishing treaty rights
2-Illegal gillnets were seized as evidence
Oregon State Police also assisted with safely towing a commercial fishing boat back to the dock after it became disabled.
This was a great effort put forth by the three agencies to help address ongoing issues on the Columbia River.
Fish and Wildlife preservation is crucial to the sustainment and healthy population management efforts to the entire Pacific Northwest. The Oregon State Police, Columbia River Inter Tribal Fisheries Enforcement and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police encourage anyone witnessing or with knowledge of fish and wildlife violations to report it.
Oregon State Police Tip Line: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(*677)
Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Enforcement: 1-541-386-6363
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police: 1-877-933-9847