As a result of numerous complaints of illegal gillnetting on the Columbia River at the Deschutes River Sanctuary, Oregon State Police in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, conducted a nighttime river patrol on the night of September 18th, 2017.
Troopers located a boat operating without required lighting in the sanctuary with 3 persons onboard. They also discovered the boaters had an 1100+ foot gillnet deployed in the water in violation of restrictions. In addition to this being a closed area to gillnetting, the length of the gillnet, which extended beyond the sanctuary boundary, exceeded state limitations of 800 feet maximum length allowable. Gillnets are prohibited in the Deschutes River Sanctuary throughout the entire year. Two adults were detained along with their juvenile minor child on the water and subsequently taken to the Celilo State Park for further investigation.
26 year old Lane Meanus and 24 year old Ashley Leslie, both residents of Celilo Village, were arrested for multiple criminal acts.
Meanus was lodged at NORCOR on charges of Commercial Fishing Closed Waters and cited for Operating a Vessel Without Required Lighting.
Leslie was given criminal citations for Commercial Fishing Closed Waters and Taking Fish Without Tribal Identification on Person.
The investigation discovered there were 85 Chinook Salmon and 1 Steelhead taken with a current market value of over $3500.00.
Fish and Wildlife preservation is crucial to the sustainment and healthy population management efforts to the entire Pacific Northwest. The Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife encourage anyone witnessing or with knowledge of fish and wildlife violation to report it via the established tip line.
*** Release submitted on behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office *** (Photo on attachment)
INITIAL INCIDENT: On 06/21/17 at 7:25pm, the Klamath County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) responded to a 911 report of an assault at 37776 Modoc Point Road. An 84-year-old neighbor had been shot in the leg by a male suspect, who had just been involved in a serious assault against a 17-year-old girl. The neighbor intervened in the assault against the girl and was shot by the suspect.
The investigation revealed Charles (Charlie) Jackson (age 35) was the reported assailant of both the 17-year-old girl and the neighbor.
UPDATE: Tonight (09/19/17) at 7:05pm, Charles Jackson was taken into custody and charged with crimes stemming from the June 2017 assaults. Charles Jackson was located, once again, with the same 17-year-old female victim. They were found hiding in a dark and wet campsite near the Cherry Creek Trailhead off Westside Road - between Rocky Point and Fort Klamath, OR.
Jackson was in possession of a rifle and a stolen car when arrested by a tactical team comprised of members from the Klamath County Sheriff's Office (Special Response Team), and the United States Marshall Service-Fugitive Task Force. In addition, key in the successful operation were spotters and an aircraft provided by Emergency Airlift.
The United States Marshall's Service and the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) were instrumental in helping track and locate the suspect over the past several months.
Attached is a photograph of Charles (Charlie) Jackson. He is being held in the Klamath County Detention Center.
**Update**
On September 19, 2017 at approximately 7:06am, the Oregon State Police received a report of a deceased male subject that had washed up on the ocean shore on Short Sands Beach, which is within the boundaries of Oswald West State Park. The Oregon State Police and Nehalem Bay Fire and rescue responded to the area. The deceased male subject was located and his remains were recovered. He was positively identified as Joseph McDonald Lescene. The Tillamook County Medical Examiner assisted with the investigation.
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**Previous Release**
At approximately 3:21 p.m., on September 11, 2017, Tillamook County 911 received an emergency call regarding a male who had fallen off the cliff near Devil's Cauldron, also known as Elk Flats, and was missing in the water. The US Coast Guard, Oregon State Police, Manzanita Police Department, Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue, and Tillamook Regional Medical Center Ambulance responded to the scene.
Investigation revealed Joseph McDonald Lescene, age 51, and Sarah Jones Lescene, age 42 from British Columbia were hiking on the bluff near the end of the trail when Joseph Lescene lost his footing and fell down the face of the cliff and into the water below, an approximate 800 foot drop. Others sightseeing in the area heard Sarah Jones Lescene's distress on the trail and contacted 911. Responding Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue recovered a backpack in the water below the cliff, which Joseph Lescene had been wearing at the time of the fall.
At this time, he has not been recovered and foul play is not suspected.
US Coast Guard utilized both rescue boats and helicopter to conduct search and rescue efforts which terminated at sunset. No foul pay is suspected
The investigation is ongoing.
On September 19, 2017 at about 3:45 p.m., Troopers and emergency responders were dispatched to a report of a multiple vehicle crash on Highway 18 near North Deer Drive just outside of Otis in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a dark green 1995 Eagle Talon, was westbound on Highway 18 at about MP 4. For unknown reasons, it drifted into the oncoming eastbound lane and crashed head-on into a 2016 red Ford Explorer. A white 1993 Subaru Legacy, which was following the Talon, was struck by the Talon as it spun back into the westbound lane. A secondary crash occurred at the scene after a westbound Kia Sedan Struck a stopped Chevy Cavalier a few yards from the original crash.
The driver of the Talon was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Driver of the Ford Explorer, 68 year old Robert James and his passenger, 67 year old Barbara James, both residents of Grand Ronde, were transported to a Lincoln City area hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Subaru, 25 year old Anjali Singh of Lincoln City was not injured.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending a notification to the family.
Use of a controlled substance by the deceased is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The Highway was closed for approximately 3 hours and ODOT had established a detour. OSP was assisted on scene by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, North Lincoln Fire Department, ODOT, and Pac West Ambulance.
The following is released on behalf and in coordination with the Klamath County District Attorney's Office.
** Klamath County D.A. Media Release **
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / 8:45 am
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
On September 17, 2017, at 12:03 a.m. Arnie Lee Eggsman (32 years of age) of Chiloquin, Oregon was shot and killed in Chiloqin. The Major Crime Team was activated and investigators from Oregon State Police, the Klamath County Sheriff's Office and Klamath Falls Police Department responded to investigate.
Local Chiloquin residents and witnesses immediately provided valuable information to assist the investigators and the two suspects were quickly identified as Kyle Joseph Steele (DOB 8/29/1996) and Tevin R. Lafond (DOB 8/29/1996). ** Both have the same date of birth **
Oregon State Police took the lead on the murder investigation. Yesterday evening, with the cooperation of Nevada Law Enforcement, OSP Detectives took first Tevin R. Lafond into custody and later around 11:30 p.m. arrested Kyle Steele. Both suspects will be extradited to the State of Oregon and prosecuted here in Klamath County for murder, assault I, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle and other potential charges. Law enforcement and the Klamath County District Attorney want to bring them them to justice and bring swift closure to the family and friends of the victim.
Media Contact:
Eve Costello, Klamath County District Attorney
541-331-3851
*** End Release ***
Please direct any further media inquires to the Klamath County District Attorney's Office
At about 7:40 p.m. on September 18, 2017, Oregon State Police Dispatch received a call of a green 2003 Ford Windstar van traveling the wrong way on I-84 near milepost 141, east of Arlington. Minutes later at milepost 137, the van was reported to have crashed head-on into a semi tractor-trailer carrying vehicles in the eastbound lanes.
The preliminary investigation revealed the van had traveled westbound in the eastbound lanes and according to witness statements, had been traveling at 55 to 60 mph. The van crashed into the semi head on and came to a rest on top of the concrete center-line divider. The semi caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames, completely blocking the entire interstate for several hours.
The driver and sole occupant of the van was pronounced deceased at the scene and his identity is being withheld pending notification to the family. The driver of the semi, identified as 24 year old California resident, Santos Colunga, was treated for non-life threatening injuries at the scene.
OSP was assisted on-scene by Gilliam County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, North Gilliam Fire and the Department of Environmental Quality.
On September 18, 2017 the Oregon State Police responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Interstate 205 just north of Interstate 5 in Washington County.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a black 2016 Nissan Altima, operated by Douglas Cansdale, age 53 of Portland Oregon, was traveling northbound on I205 just north of I5, when for an unknown reason Cansdale lost control of his vehicle and drifted off the roadway. Cansdale collided with a metal guardrail, continued across the grassy median and collided into a light pole. It is believed that speed and the wet roadway surface were contributing factors.
Cansdale sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Cansdale was released to the Springer and Son Funeral Home and notification was made to the next of kin.
OSP was assisted by ODOT, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and Washington County ME's Office.
The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful taking and wasting of a buck deer in Crook County.
On the afternoon of September 16th, 2017, OSP was notified of a dead buck deer north of Prineville located 1 ?1/2 miles from McKay Creek on McKay Creek Road (USFS 33). The deer was located approximately 75 yards from the roadway and the 2x3 buck only had a portion of one back-strap removed. The rest of the buck was left to waste. The buck deer had been shot with a rifle during the archery season. It is believed this occurred September 14th or 15th prior to the poaching discovery.
If you have any information please contact the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division at your local office or use the below information to report wildlife violators on the TIP Line.
** Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators**
Poaching wildlife and damaging habitats affects present and future generations of wildlife, impacts communities and the economy, and creates enforcement challenges.
The Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) reward is paid for information leading to the arrest/conviction of person(s) for the illegal possession, killing, taking, and/or waste of deer, elk, antelope, bear, cougar, wolf, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, furbearers and/or game birds.
TIP rewards can also be given for the illegal taking, netting, snagging, and/or dynamiting of salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and/or large numbers of any fish listed in Oregon statute as a game fish.
In addition, a reward may be issued for information that results in an arrest/conviction of a person who has illegally obtained Oregon hunting/angling license or tags. People who "work" the system and falsely apply for resident licenses and/or tags are not legally hunting and/or angling and are considered poachers.
Increasing damage to wildlife habitat by off-road vehicles prompted the Oregon Hunters
Association (OHA) in 2009 to create the Natural Resources Reward Program that offers a $300 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone causing natural resources damage by the illegal use of motorized vehicles and is similar to its highly successful TIP program.
* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf
* $300 Habitat Destruction
* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl
* $100 Furbearers
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 (24/7)
TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)
On September 16, 2017 OSP responded to a report of a small aircraft collision on the Nehalem Bay State Park airstrip.
Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 5:14pm, a crash involving an aircraft occurred on the airstrip at Nehalem Bay State Park. The involved pilot was identified as Todd William Rudberg, age 49, from Shoreline, Washington. There was one additional passenger in the plane identified as Valerie Anne Villacin, age 43, from Seattle, Washington.
The aircraft was a 2003 Vans Aircraft Model RV8, single engine, fixed wing plane belonging to Mr. Rudberg. The crash occurred when Mr. Rudberg attempted to land the plane. He had fully touched down on the airstrip and was slowing down when an elk ran in front of the plane. He attempted to speed up and relaunch the plane in order to fly over the elk without hitting it. The propeller and right side landing gear struck the elk and killed it. Another elk ran in front of the plane and was struck by the left wing. The second elk was also killed. The plane spun around and came to a stop on the airstrip. The plane was totaled as a result of the crash and none of the occupants were injured. The FAA has temporarily closed the Nehalem Bay State Park Airstrip and will be conducting an investigation of the incident.
Troopers from the Oregon State Police- Tillamook Worksite responded and investigated the incident. Assisting the Oregon State Police were Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue, the Manzanita Department of Public Safety, and employees of Nehalem Bay State Park. A large quantity of elk meat was salvaged by the responding Fish and Wildlife troopers.
On September 13, 2017 at 9:34 PM, OSP Troopers responded to a fatal single motor vehicle rollover crash on Jerome Prairie Road near the intersection of Helms Road in rural Josephine County near Grants Pass.
Preliminary investigation revealed a light blue 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit was travelling west on Jerome Prairie Road approaching the intersection at Helms Road. The Volkswagen veered slightly off the roadway while negotiating a curve and rolled over landing on its top in the eastbound lane. The driver, David Anthony Romero (45) of Grants Pass was found seat belted in the vehicle upon police arrival. Romero was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency medical personnel.
A passenger, Scott Thomas Taylor (46) of Grants Pass was transported by ambulance to Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass with non-life threatening injuries. Speed and possible alcohol are suspected to be contributing factors to the crash.
OSP was assisted on scene by Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, American Medical Response, and Hull and Hull Funeral Home.
Update on our Trooper who was shot yesterday in Lane County. Senior Trooper Gerald Ellis is a 8 year veteran and assigned to the Springfield Area Command - Patrol Division. We believe at this time his ballistic vest saved his life as he only received minor injuries. Following the incident, the 30 year old male suspect was located and arrested. See attached press release by the Lane County Sheriff's Office.
We would like to thank all those who have offered their kind words and support through this traumatic incident. We will update further but this is an active investigation being led by the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Any further inquiries should be directed to their office.
On September 12, 2017 at approximately 1:20pm, OSP responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash on State Route 86 near milepost 25, near Baker City.
Preliminary investigation revealed a white 2006 Dodge 2500 pickup was traveling eastbound on State Route 86 near milepost 25, when for an unknown reason the vehicle left the roadway, struck an embankment, and came to a rest on the driver's side in the middle of the roadway facing westbound. The driver identified as Jimmy Hilderbrand, age 87 of Halfway Oregon was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other vehicles involved in the collision.
At the time of the collision, Jimmy Hilderbrand was wearing his seat belt and there was airbag deployment. Next of kin notification was made to Hilderbrand's son.
OSP was assisted by Baker County SO, MEDEX, Baker County Fire Department and ODOT. No further information to be released at this time.
On September 12, 2017 at about 1:20p.m., an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper attempted to contact the occupant of a stolen vehicle on Highway 99 near England Road in the Creswell area. After a brief encounter the suspect shot and hit the trooper. The trooper received non-life threatening injuries. The trooper was able to return fire and investigators do not believe the suspect was hit. Numerous law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to assist.
There is a person of interest in custody, and at this time we do not believe there is a threat to the community in connection with this case. Lane County Sheriff's Office has been designated as the lead investigating agency for this incident.
No other information is available for release at this time.
On August 29, 2017, an investigation began into four wildland fires that occurred along the Highway 97 between the area of Lava River Cave and Mile Post 180 south of La Pine, Oregon.
Three of the fires were contained at less than two acres and the fourth fire, which was later called the McKay Fire near La Pine, grew to approximately 1,219 acres. Through a collaborative law enforcement effort and information obtained from the public, a suspect was developed. The suspect was located by OSP Troopers on September 3, 2017 as he entered Oregon on Interstate 84 near Ontario driving a stolen 2016 Hyundai Sonata (blue in color).
Christopher Glen WILSON, age 37, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was arrested and booked into the Malheur County Jail for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. On September 8, 2017, Wilson was indicted by a Deschutes County Grand Jury for 3 counts of Arson in the First Degree and Reckless Endangerment. He will be facing arraignment in the near future in Deschutes County Circuit Court.
It is possible WILSON may be responsible for other fires in the northwest. OSP is seeking the public's assistance if they have any information on WILSON or saw the vehicle he was driving (distinct sticker in the back window) in any areas known to have wildland fires to call OSP at 503-375-3555
Detectives from the OSP Arson Unit were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, United States Forest Service, and other law enforcement agencies. More information will be released when it becomes available.
On September 8, 2017, OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers seized an 8X6 bull elk on private timber property. The suspect, Cody Miller, age 27 of Idleyld Park shot the bull with a bow on September 4, 2017 on Roseburg Forest Product property which was closed to the public due to fire dangers. Cody Miller was assisted by Dylan Miller, age 27 of Idleyld Park, Brian Philpott, age 25 of Glide and two juvenile males. The Trophy Bull was seized and Cody Miller was issued criminal citations and released for Hunting on Another Enclosed Land, Unlawful Take Bull Elk and Counseling in a Wildlife Violation. Dylan Miller and Brian Philpott were issued criminal citations for Criminal Trespass and Aiding in a Wildlife Offense.
On the morning of September 2nd, 2017, OSP was notified of a dead buck deer within the city limits of Sisters. The animal was located near the intersection of Highway 242 and Brooks Camp Road. OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers responded and found the beheaded deer approximately 75 feet from a residential area off of Brooks Camp Road. The animal had been shot with an arrow, beheaded, and the rest of it was left to waste. Investigation revealed the deer was most likely dumped on or around Friday, September 1st, 2017 during the late evening hours.
A reward of up to $500 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. The reward is comprised of $500 from the Oregon Hunters Association Turn-In-Poacher program.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact OSP Senior Trooper Creed Cummings through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or 541-388-6213. (Case # SP17-323528)
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
Poaching wildlife and damaging habitats affects present and future generations of wildlife, impacts communities and the economy, and creates enforcement challenges.
The Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) reward is paid for information leading to the arrest/conviction of person(s) for the illegal possession, killing, taking, and/or waste of deer, elk, antelope, bear, cougar, wolf, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, furbearers and/or game birds.
TIP rewards can also be given for the illegal taking, netting, snagging, and/or dynamiting of salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and/or large numbers of any fish listed in Oregon statute as a game fish.
In addition, a reward may be issued for information that results in an arrest/conviction of a person who has illegally obtained Oregon hunting/angling license or tags. People who "work" the system and falsely apply for resident licenses and/or tags are not legally hunting and/or angling and are considered poachers.
Increasing damage to wildlife habitat by off-road vehicles prompted the Oregon Hunters
Association (OHA) in 2009 to create the Natural Resources Reward Program that offers a $300 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone causing natural resources damage by the illegal use of motorized vehicles and is similar to its highly successful TIP program.
* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf
* $300 Habitat Destruction
* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl
* $100 Furbearers
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 (24/7)
TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)
(Please use the TIP Hotline for Weekend and Evening Reporting)
On September 8, 2017, OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers seized an 8X6 bull elk on private timber property. The suspect, Cody Miller, age 27 of Idleyld Park shot the bull with a bow on September 4, 2017 on Roseburg Forest Product property which was closed to the public due to fire dangers. Cody Miller was assisted by Dylan Miller, age 27 of Idleyld Park, Brian Philpott, age 25 of Glide and two juvenile males. The Trophy Bull was seized and Cody Miller was issued criminal citations and released for Hunting on Another Enclosed Land, Unlawful Take Bull Elk and Counseling in a Wildlife Violation. Dylan Miller and Brian Philpott were issued criminal citations for Criminal Trespass and Aiding in a Wildlife Offense.
On September 8, 2017 at approximately 4:52pm, the United States Coast Guard received a report from a privately owned vessel of a capsized boat and a unresponsive male floating in the Pacific Ocean near Government Point (Boiler Bay) north of Depoe Bay.
The US Coast Guard responded with a motor lifeboat and recovered the body, a deceased male identified as Robert Lawrence Zimmel, age 69, from Forest Grove.
The Coast Guard notified Oregon State Police and local partner agencies and a search of the area continued. The crew of a US Coast Guard helicopter spotted a second deceased male subject floating nearby. The second male subject was identified as James William Warren, age 81, from McMinnville. Warren was the registered owner of the boat. The Oregon State Police conducted a death investigation and were able to determine Zimmel and Warren were the only two occupants of the boat when it capsized. The reason the boat capsized has not been determined at this time and is still under investigation. Neither Zimmel or Warren were wearing life-vests when they were recovered and there is no evidence of foul play.
Assisting the Oregon State Police with the investigation were the United States Coast Guard, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the McMinnville Police Department, and the Forest Grove Police Department.
On Wednesday September 13, 2017 the Oregon State Police are concentrating patrolling efforts for the fatal five saturation patrol. This enforcement focus will be on Highway 34 in Linn County (East of Corvallis).
The Albany Area Command and any partner agencies will focus enforcement efforts on driving behaviors which contribute to serious injury and fatal motor vehicle crashes. The Oregon State routinely receives citizen complaints regarding poor driving behaviors on this section of road and the troopers see a high crash volume in this area. The Albany Area Command attempt to participate in one saturation a month in their high target areas. Troopers hope to impact the safety of the motoring public in a positive way by reducing the number of fatal crashes and DUII's.
The Oregon State Police Fatal Five are defined as the following:
Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Violations, Impaired Driving and Distracted Driving.
The investigation surrounding the Eagle Creek Fire is still underway.
The suspect has been identified as a fifteen year old male from Vancouver, Washington. It is believed he and others may have been using fireworks which started the forest fire along the Eagle Creek Trail. The suspect was then contacted by law enforcement in the parking lot of the trailhead and was interviewed.
The Oregon State Police is seeking witnesses or those with information about the cause of the fire to come forward. Anyone who heard fireworks or other explosions in the area of the Eagle Creek Trail/ Punch Bowl Falls on Saturday between 10am to 5PM is urged to contact OSP at 503-375-3555.
OSP is being assisted by the United States Forest Service, Hood River District Attorney's Office, US Attorney's Office and the Hood River Juvenile Department.
This investigation is continuing and no arrests or formal charges have been made. The identity of the juvenile will not be released at this time.
The cause of the Eagle Creek fire has been determined to have been man-made potentially from the misuse of fireworks. A suspect has been identified and additional information will be released as the investigation develops.
This investigation is being conducted jointly by the Oregon State Police, US Forest Service, Hood River Sheriff's Office, Hood River District Attorney's Office and fire personnel.
***Update***
The driver/operator of the Yamaha motorcycle was identified as 41 year old Prineville resident, William Eric McCloughan.
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Previous release
On September 2, 2017, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a blue Yamaha sport bike motorcycle was reported to be driving recklessly at high rates of speed in the area just west of Prineville in Crook County. Minutes later, the motorcycle operator was traveling southbound on Woodward Road, approaching Highway 26 where it failed to obey the stop sign posted at Woodward Road at Highway 26. The operator continued across Highway 26 directly in front of a westbound white cabbed 2017 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer and was struck, killing the rider of the motorcycle immediately. The semi-truck drove up the bank on the west side of the road and overturned, coming to rest on its side in the eastbound lane of Highway 26. The driver of the semi-truck, identified as 51 year old Mossyrock Washington resident Eric Cooper, was transported via ground ambulance to the Prineville area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.
The identity of the motorcycle operator is being withheld at the family's request pending a complete next of kin notification.
Highway 26 was closed for approximately 5 hours for the crash investigation and recovery of the semi tractor-trailer. OSP was assisted at the scene by the Crook County Sherriffs Office, the Prineville Police Department, ODOT and Crook County Fire and Rescue.
On Friday September 1, 2017 at about 12:12am, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on I-5 northbound at milepost 233, within Albany City Limits.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Freightliner pulling a trailer, operated by Terence Jay Shaw, age 51 of Riverside CA, was traveling northbound on I-5 when for unknown reasons the vehicle drifted out of the travel lane. The vehicle travelled through the gore point at exit 233, struck a guardrail and then struck a vertical pillar of the Highway 20 overpass. A passing motorist stopped and helped pull the driver from the vehicle before it became fully engulfed in flames. Shaw was transported to a Portland area hospital for injuries sustained in the crash and subsequent fire.
I-5 northbound was closed until the fire could be extinguished and remained partially closed for several hours. OSP was assisted at the scene by Albany P.D., Albany Fire, and ODOT.
On 8-30-17 at approximately 1:30 PM Oregon State Police and Tillamook County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a hit-and-run motor injury vehicle collision on US 101 MP Z47, between Wheeler and Rockaway Beach.
Preliminary investigation indicates a green southbound 2015, Kenworth semi-truck, pulling two trailers loaded with lumber and driven by Patrick Steinauer (65) of Cougar, WA was coming out of a curve on US Hwy 101. The suspect vehicle was northbound passing in a no passing zone in the southbound lane. In an attempt to avoid the collision, Steinauer, drove off the road, over railroad tracks and into trees. The suspect vehicle continued northbound and did not stop.
The suspect vehicle was described described as possible a late 70's, lifted, white or cream color, Chevy pick-up truck, driven by a young male with dark hair.
Steinauer was transported by air to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
OSP is leading the investigation assisted by Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Nehalem Bay and Rockaway Beach Fire Departments.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are requesting anyone who witness the crash or suspect vehicle prior to or after the crash, anyone in the area, who had camera's facing the highway or dash cameras, to contact the Oregon State Police- Tillamook Worksite at 503-842-2899
On August 30, 2017 at about 5:50 a.m., Troopers from the Springfield Area Command of the Oregon State Police responded to Highway 58 near Matthews Drive, in the Dexter area for a two vehicle serious injury crash.
The preliminary investigation suggests a blue 2016 Dodge Ram, operated by 58 year old Olympia Washing ton resident Daniel Pomerenk, was traveling westbound. A 1994 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by 40 year old Lowell local Christopher Ripley, was following the Dodge westbound as they approached the intersection of Highway 58 and Matthews Drive. Witness statements indicate the Dodge was turning left at this location and for unknown reasons, the motorcycle was unable to stop, crashing into the front driver's side of the Dodge truck near the centerline of the westbound lane.
Ripley was transported to a Springfield area hospital where he is in critical condition.
OSP was assisted on scene by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Dexter Fire and Rescue and the Pleasant Hill Fire Department.
On August 22, 2017 at 11:50 AM, Oregon State troopers and emergency workers responded to US Highway 101 near milepost 112 and the intersection of N.E. Devils Lake Road for a two-vehicle serious injury crash. On August 26, 2017, the Newport Area Command was notified the driver of one of the vehicle had died as a result of his injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates a gold Nissan LL, driven by Douglas Quick (age 78 from Ventura, CA), was traveling southbound on US Highway 101. The second vehicle, a black Hyundai, driven by Dalton Olson (age 23 from Ferndale, Washington) was in the left turn lane stopped waiting to turn onto N.E. Devils Lake Road. The Nissan veered into the left turn lane and struck the Hyundai from behind.
Olson was in critical condition at the scene and was ground transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where he was later air transported to Emanuel Hospital. On August 26, 2017, Olson died from his injuries sustained in the crash. Also in the Hyundai was passenger Danielle Steele (age 22) from Blaine, Washington. She sustained critical injures and was transported to Emanuel Hospital.
Quick and his passenger, Sandra Quick (age 77 from Ventura, CA) were transported to Emanuel Hospital with unknown injuries.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, ODOT, Lincoln County District Attorney's Office, and Lincoln City Police Department.
###
This message is being sent in partnership between the Oregon State Police and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
On August 23, 2017, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office was notified of a missing person from the Medford area. Steven Strauss,71, was last seen in Dallas on August 22, 2017 when he was visiting his brother for the eclipse. Efforts to locate Strauss were unsuccessful.
On August 27, 2017, the Oregon State Police Newport Area Command was notified of a non-responsive male, in his vehicle, at the Beverly Beach State Park. Troopers and emergency workers responded to the scene and confirmed the vehicle belonged to Strauss and the male was Strauss. Strauss was confirmed deceased. Strauss's wife had reported, to Jackson County Sheriff's Office, a concern of his past medical conditions. The investigation at the scene did not suggest any concern of foul play.
Steven Strauss had been employed with the Oregon State Police from November 1972 to September 1999. Throughout Strauss' career, he graduated from Recruit school and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant. Strauss retired as a Forensic Criminalist 3 from the Central Point Crime Lab.
Any questions can be directed to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 541-770-8923.
###
***UPDATE***
The passenger on the motorcycle and died as a result of the crash was 51 year old, BADGER, Karen Ann Marie from Creston, WA.
End Update.
Previous Release:
On August 26, 2017, at approximately 5:00 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a motorcycle crash on Interstate 84 (WB) near milepost 206 in Umatilla County and is one mile west of Pendleton.
The preliminary investigation has determined that 60 year old, BADGER, Edward from Washington, was operating a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle and for an unknown reason lost control crashed. BADGER and his passenger were transported to Saint Anthony Hospital in Pendleton with serious injuries. BADGER was later flown to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA. The passenger succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The identification of the passenger will be withheld until the family can be contacted.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by Pendleton Fire and Ambulance Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation. No Photos available.
On August 26, 2017, at 5:53 PM, Oregon State Police responded to the report of single vehicle crash on I-5 northbound near milepost 33 in Jackson County, which is the Central Point exit.
The operator of a 2000 BMW, 58 year old CURTIS, Bruce Anthony, from Grants Pass, veered off the highway after taking the 33 northbound off ramp and drove into a field adjacent to the freeway rolling over landing on its top. Witnesses on scene reported being passed by the BMW northbound on I-5 at a high rate of speed just prior to the crash. Emergency medical personnel pronounced CURTIS deceased on scene.
Oregon State Police was assisted on scene by a deputy medical examiner from the Central Point Police Department, Jackson County Fire District and the Oregon Department of Transportation. There are no photos available.
***UPDATE***
The operator and only occupant in the vehicle was 27 year old LEMUS, Ricardo, from Albany.
Previous Release:
On August 26, 2017, at approximately 3:00 AM the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 243 southbound in Marion County.
The preliminary investigation has determined that a 1995 Ford Explorer was southbound on Interstate 5 and for an unknown reason lost control and overturned in the median. The operator was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Traffic was slowed to one lane for approximately 3 hours. The identification of the operator will not be released at this time pending the next of kin notification.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's office, Jefferson Fire District and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
On August 25, 2017, at approximately 3:30 PM the Oregon State Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 158 southbound in Deschutes County.
The preliminary investigation has determined that 58 year old VANWORTH, Pamela of Klamath Falls, was operating a 2004 Scion XB on Hwy 97 near milepost 158 southbound at a very high rate of speed. VANWORTH was passing numerous vehicle and lost control of her vehicle driving into the northbound lane and crashing into a Ford F350. The Ford was an Oregon Department of Transportation Incident Response truck operated by 36 year old BENSON, John of Redmond. The passenger in the Scion, 45 year old GARCIA-RAMIREZ, Lisa Ann, from Bakersfield was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel.
BENSON AND VANWORTH were transported to St. Charles Hospital in Bend. BENSON was released with minor injuries and VANWORTH remains in ICU.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's office and Oregon Department of Transportation.
On August 24th, 2017 at approximately 8:00 PM, police received a 911 call for an incident at 62148 Marysville Lane, John Day, Oregon; which is Grant County. John Day Police Department, Grant County Sheriff's office and the Oregon State Police responded to the scene where they located an adult male in the middle of the road bleeding.
The preliminary investigation has determined an altercation occurred when 46 year old BERRY, Todd Alan assaulted 55 year old ELLIOTT, Thomas Joseph at Elliott's residence. ELLIOTT retrieved a firearm and shot BERRY several times. Emergency medical personnel treated BERRY for his injuries and pronounced him deceased at the scene. ELLIOTT and BERRY were neighbors in Grant County.
ELLIOTT was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Grant County Jail. ELLIOTT was charged with Murder; Assault in the First Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Oregon State Police Major Crime Section and Crime lab is continuing the investigation. No further information at this time and no photos are available.
On 8/25/2017 at approximately 12:41pm, Oregon State Police troopers from the Newport Patrol Office responded to a three vehicle fatal traffic crash on US Highway 20 near milepost 29.
The Preliminary investigation indicates an eastbound 2017 Dodge Durango was traveling eastbound when for unknown reason it crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2009 Toyota Prius. The force of then impact caused the the Prius to come to rest, partially, on the guardrail, and then the Durango was struck by a westbound 1942 Dodge motorhome.
The Dodge Durango was occupied by the driver Robert B. Hardin, age 76, and his passenger, Kristi S. Hardin, age 74, both of Stamford, Connecticut. The Toyota Prius driven was by Charles B. McConnell, age 70, from Philomath. The Dodge motorhome was occupied by the driver, Devon Abbott, age 39, and two passengers, James Abbott, age 71, and Sheila Abbott, age 61, all of Silverton.
McConnell was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. Robert Hardin was transported by ambulance to Ellmaker State Park and was air transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where he was treated for serious injuries. All other mentioned vehicle occupants were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where they were treated for various non-life threatening injuries.
Assisting with the investigation were OSP Albany Area Command, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Newport Fire and Rescue, Toledo Fire and Rescue, Philomath Fire and Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance, Life Flight Helicopter Service, and ODOT. This investigation is ongoing.
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On August 25,2017 at approximately 3:45pm, Oregon State Police troopers responded a fatal traffic crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian occurred on US Highway 101 near milepost 147.
The pedestrian, identified as Deborah L. Samples, age 64, from Albany, attempted to cross the highway with oncoming traffic in both directions and was struck by a southbound 1999 Subaru Legacy driven by Joan Barry-Gertz, age 73, of Waldport. Samples was treated for critical injuries at the scene. She was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital and then by air transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland for additional treatment. Samples died at Legacy Emanuel Hospital due to the extent of her injuries. Barry-Gertz was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.
The Oregon State Police responded was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Newport Police Department, Newport Fire and Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance, Life Flight Helicopter Service, and ODOT.
No photos will be released of this crash.
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***Update Photos***
On August 24, 2017 at approximately 12:00 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 126W near milepost 23 in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation determined that a 2006 Toyota Camry, operated by 40 year old LYNN, Brandon, was westbound on Hwy 126W and, for an unknown reason, drifted off the roadway. The vehicle continued down an embankment, where it struck a tree. The operator was transported to Riverbend Hospital in Springfield with serious injuries. The passenger, 35 year old, LYNN, Tina, was extricated from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency personnel. The couple are from Yuba City, California, but have been living in the Eugene area for the last few months.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by Central Lane Fire, Western Lane Ambulance; Siuslaw Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
On August 19th, 2017 at about 7:00 PM, an Oregon State Police Trooper stopped a 2008 Honda passenger car for a traffic violation on Interstate 5 near MP 95 northbound, in Douglas County. During the traffic stop, indicators of criminal activity were observed and a search of the vehicle was requested. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 14 pounds of suspected methamphetamine in packages hidden within the vehicle.
The three occupants of the vehicle 27 year old, Uriel BERNARDINO-CANO, 21 year old Joseline HERNANDEZ-AGUILAR, and 19 year old Miriam HERNANDEZ-AGUILAR were lodged at the Douglas County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available. Miriam and Joseline HERNANDEZ-AGUILAR are from Mexico and BERNARDINO-CANO is from California.
In August 2015, the Oregon State Police (OSP) received information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about an auto dealer that was suspected of using an emissions simulator to pass the DEQ vehicle emissions test. Surveillance of the business and videos from the DEQ vehicle inspection station identified individuals involved in the illegal operation. A total of 57 vehicles were identified as having used the emissions simulator to pass emissions testing. In December 2015, OSP, with the assistance of agents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, served search warrants at Drive Credit and Global Auto Motors in Portland, Oregon.
Interviews of the employees from both businesses revealed that a mechanic, Sergey FESIK, age 39,was responsible for installing the device in the vehicles for Drive Credit and Global Auto Motors in order to pass the emissions test when he knew they would not pass otherwise. Of the 57 vehicles identified, the majority were beyond the timeframe for which prosecution could occur. However, the conduct relating to 9 of the vehicles was still within the statute of limitations and in June of 2017, Fesik pled guilty to nine counts of altering a vehicle's emissions equipment. He was subsequently sentenced to;
* 30 days jail
* $1,100 fine
* 24 month probation
The Oregon Department of Justice Environmental and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality work in partnership to investigate and enforce Oregon's Environmental laws. You can report pollution complaints, to the DEQ Hotline at 1-888-997-7888 or to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.