On Saturday, January 19, 2019, at approximately 10:20 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 42 near milepost 65.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2003 BMW 325i, operated by Sharp Slaughter (21) of Roseburg, was traveling westbound on Hwy 42 when for unknown reasons veered off the road and struck a power pole.
Slaughter sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A passenger in the BMW, Matthew Mendoza (22) from Roseburg, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
The eastbound lane of Hwy 42 was closed for about three hours following the crash.
OSP was assisted by Tenmile Rural Fire, ODOT, Winston PD, and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
On Friday, January 18, 2019, at approximately 5:45 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 211 near milepost 3.
Preliminary investigation reveals that a Honda Accord was southbound on Hwy 211 when they lost control of their vehicle and slid sideways into the northbound lane. A Chevrolet Van, operated by Illia Burigin (27) of Canby, was northbound and unable to avoid the Accord and the vehicles collided . Moments after the collision, a Ford Contour, operated by Steven Furlow (28) of Mulino, was unable to avoid the initial crash and crashed into the Chevrolet Van.
The operator of the Honda Accord sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The name will be released after OSP can confirm that notifications have been made.
Burgin and Furlow were not transported as result of the crash.
There was heavy rains in the area at the time of the collision.
OSP was assisted by the Monitor Fire Department and ODOT.
On Friday, January 18, 2019, at approximately 3:00 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle head on crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 159.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a white Toyota Camry, operated by Kevin Werts (56) of LaPine, was southbound on Hwy 97 and lost control and slid into the northbound lane and collided with a gray Hyundai Santa Fe, operated by Susan Pitarro (70) of Bend.
The roadway conditions at the time of the crash were packed snow and ice.
Werts sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Pitarro and her passenger, Terry Thopson (63) of Bend, were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with serious injuries.
OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Sunriver Police Department, Sunriver Fire Department, LaPine Fire Department, and ODOT.
On January 15, 2019, emergency personnel responded to a structure fire at 150 East River St. in Cave Junction.
Emergency personnel located Donald Thomas (65) deceased inside the structure.
Oregon State Police Major Crimes and Arson Detectives are investigating. A male was seen igniting and throwing a flare at the residence. Anyone with information related to this fatal fire is requested to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and reference case #SP19-017772
On Monday, January 14, 2019 at approximately 7:35 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 22E near milepost 27.
Preliminary investigation shows that a 2004 Honda Pilot, operated by Brandy Doudna (42) of Mill City, was eastbound on Hwy 22E when she swerved to avoid hitting a deer. The vehicle struck the guardrail and stopped perpendicular in the roadway. Doudna attempted to move the vehicle but was unable. As the occupants were exiting the vehicle a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Kitaira Harvey (21) of Bend, was eastbound and struck the Honda Pilot.
A nine year old that was exiting the Honda Pilot was ejected in the impact. The child was taken to a local hospital and later transported by Life Flight to a Portland hospital.
No other occupants were transported as a result of the collision.
On Saturday, January 12, 2019 at approximately 1:35 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a report of a collision involving a commercial motor vehicle and a bicycle on Hwy 30 near milepost 17 in Multnomah County.
Preliminary investigation reveals that a commercial motor vehicle - with no trailers, operated by Dustan Thompson (40) of St. Helens, was eastbound on Hwy 30 in the right lane when a bicycle, operated by Scott Graser (54) of Scappoose, entered the eastbound right lane and a collision occurred.
Graser sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Thompson was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.
Investigation is continuing
On Saturday, January 12, 2019 at approximately 2:35 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 260 near milepost 11 in Josephine County.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Acura SUV, operated by Jason Barker (38) of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, drove off the roadway, and struck a tree.
Barker sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Alcohol is being investigated as a possible factor in the crash.
OSP was assisted by Rural Metro Fire and ODOT
The Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team conducting the officer involved shooting investigation is releasing the name of the deceased.
Charles Frederick Landeros age 30 of Eugene.
Eugene Police Department News Release is copied below.
No further information is available for release at this time.
All media inquries should be made to the Lane County District Attorney's Office
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EUGENE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Officer-involved Shooting - Police Respond to Dispute at Cascade Middle School
At 10:27 a.m. today, January 11, Eugene Police responded to a custodial dispute involving an adult male at Cascade Middle School, 1525 Echo Hollow Road. As officers were escorting the male from the school, he produced a firearm and a struggle ensued. During the struggle the subject was shot by police and is now deceased. This occurred outside of the school. All students, staff and officers are safe and unharmed. Police remain at the school.
During the incident, Cascade Middle School initiated lock-out procedures and are currently keeping students in the school until the end of the school day.
Bethel will be working with the police department on school release. Information will be posted on the Bethel School District webpage. Please keep areas and roadways near the school free for emergency responders.
Per state law, the Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team has been called and is conducting the investigation.
On Friday, January 11, 2019 at approximately 7:30 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle collision on Hwy 99W at the intersection of Clow Corner Rd. in Polk County.
Investigation reveals that a Chrysler 200, operated by Rosa Maria Rocha-Torres (19) of Salem, was stopped at the stop sign on Clow Corner waiting to cross or pull onto Hwy 99W. Rocha-Torres pulled out into the path of Jeep Renegade, operated by Kevin Ruffino (32) of Independence, and was struck on the driver's side of her vehicle.
Rocha- Torres sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two teenage female passengers were transported to Salem Hospital with non life threatening injuries.
Ruffino sustained minor injuries and was not transported by medical personnel.
OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Fire Department, Polk County District Attorney, and ODOT.
On Thursday, January 10, 2019 at about 8:45 pm, Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle fatal crash on US Hwy 101 near milepost 152, just south of Seal Rock.
Preliminary investigation revealed a blue 2001 Lexus SUV, operated by Patricia Norenberg, age 55, of Waldport, was driving southbound on US Hwy 101 when she drifted into the northbound lane of travel. A northbound gold 2008 Toyota van driven by Richard Larrett, age 85, of Lincoln City, and the two vehicles collided partially head-on. Larrett’s passenger, Judith Larrett, age 81, of Lincoln City, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Norenberg and Richard Larrett were transported by ambulance to Newport’s Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital due to their injuries.
US Hwy 101 was closed about just over 3 hours following the crash however, a detour had been established to help traffic. Agencies assisting OSP were Waldport Fire Department, Seal Rock Fire Department, Newport Fire Department, ODOT Incident Response/Maintenance, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, and Newport Police Department.
On Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at approximately 5:18 P.M. Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on I-84 near milepost 367.
Investigation reveals that a Toyota 4Runner, operated by Kevin Luby (42) of Meridian Idaho, was westbound on I-84 when the vehicle drifted off the roadway and into the median, rolled, and crossed the eastbound lanes before stopping.
Luby sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.
Texting is being investigated as a possible contributing factor to the crash.
*** photo attached***
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On January 8, 2019 a little before 10:00 PM, the US Coast Guard was notified of a boat needing assistance crossing the Yaquina Bay bar due to high seas. US Coast Guard left the Yaquina Bay station and at 10:13 PM Oregon State Police was advised the Fishing Vessel Mary B II had capsized with three people on board.
The search immediately began and the US Coast Guard, with their helicopter, found James Lacey (age 48 from South Toms River, NJ) in the Pacific Ocean and transported him to Pacific Communities Hospital, in Newport, where he was pronounced deceased. At 12:28 AM, Newport Fire Department found Joshua Porter (age 50 from Toledo, Oregon) on the beach, near Nye Beach, where he was pronounced deceased. The Mary B II ultimately ran aground, on the beach, near the north side of the Yaquina Bay North Jetty. The boat Skipper, Stephen Biernacki (age 50 from Barnegat Township, NJ) was found with the boat and pronounced deceased at the scene.
No photos are available at this time.
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Investigation shows that a 2006 Freightliner pulling two empty tanker trailers, operated by Andres Resendez (52) of Sheridan, was eastbound on the Newberg/Dundee bypass and a 2012 Freightliner pulling two trailers loaded with poultry cages (no poultry), operated by Daniel Green (45) of Winlock, WA. was westbound when due to icy conditions these two vehicles collided.
Resendez and Green sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
A 2000 Hyundai, operated by Delia Lake (23) of McMinnville, was unable to stop and struck the back of one of the tanker trailers. She sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital.
The Newberg/Dundee bypass was opened at approximately 4:00 P.M.
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Preliminary investigation shows that at approximately 5:20 AM two commercial vehicles collided on Hwy 18 near milepost 57 - this is on the recently opened Newberg/Dundee bypass. A fire broke out as a result of the collision.
The operators of both commercial vehicles sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
There was a passenger car involved and the operator sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
Icy roadways are believed to be a contributing factor in this crash.
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Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are on scene of a vehicle crash on Hwy 18 milepost 57 - Dundee Bypass.
This crash has resulted in a fatality.
Hwy 18 - Dundee Bypass will be closed for several hours - please use caution in the area.
More information will be released when it is available.
On Saturday, January 5, 2019 at approximately 1:28 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a vehicle that crashed into a propane tank at One Stop Market, located on the east side of Hwy 101 near milepost 192.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a maroon 1997 Ford Explorer, operated by Buzz Berry (60) of Florence, was southbound on Hwy 101 when the vehicle veered off the roadway, through the fence at 85089 Hwy 101, through trees/shrubs, became airborne, crashed into top of commercial propane tank at One Stop Market gas station, and came to rest in gas station parking lot.
Propane tank was ruptured and Hwy 101 had to be shut down until the tank was empty. Surrounding residences and buildings were evacuated.
Hwy 101 was opened at approximately 2:35 P.M.
Berry was transported to Florence Peace Health Hospital for minor injuries.
Speed and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (alcohol/marijuana) are being investigated.
OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff's Office, Suislaw Valley Fire Department, Western Lane Ambulance, and ODOT.
On Thursday, January 3, 2019 at approximately 12:20 PM - Oregon State Police Troopers were traveling north in Interstate 5 near milepost 272 when they observed an adult male in the lanes of travel disrupting traffic. The troopers tried to contact the subject and he ran through traffic attempting to gain entry into several vehicles.
The troopers along with the public's assistance were able to detain the subject before he injured himself or others.
He has been identified as Vyacheslav Burlachenko (38) of Salem. He was cited for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and transported to the Salem Hospital for evaluation..
There were no crashes reported, however a semi-truck had to make an avoiding maneuver causing the load to shift and damaging the truck.
OSP was assisted by the Woodburn Police Department and the Marion County Community Outreach Response Team.
On Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at approximately 11:10 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Hwy 97 near milepost 204.
Investigation revealed that a Hyundai Sonata, operated by Caleb Robichaud (22) of Spokane, was northbound on Hwy 97 when it struck a pedestrian identified as, David Ralphs-Thomason (37) of Portland, who was in the northbound lane of travel.
Ralphs-Thomason sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
OSP was assisted by the Chemult Fire Department and Crescent Ambulance.
The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for shooting and leaving a cow elk on the morning of December 27, 2018 in Douglas County, OR.
Investigation revealed that a cow elk was shot with a high caliber rifle and left to waste in a clear-cut between Tyee Access Road and Bullock road about two miles west of the Wolf Creek Ranch.
A vehicle of interest is a compact truck occupied by two or more adult males (late teens or early 20's) which traveled from Bullock Road to Tyee Access Road that morning.
Those with information are asked to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and reference Senior Trooper Stone or Senior Trooper Weaver.
** 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 Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund 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)
The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of three white-tailed deer in Baker County, OR.
The deer heads and hides were dumped on Mother Lode Rd near Keating, OR.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Oregon State Police dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and reference Sergeant Cyr.
** 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 Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund 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)
OSP Fish and Wildlife Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the person or persons responsible for shooting and leaving an adult bald eagle on November 16, 2018 in Douglas County, Oregon.
The investigation has revealed that the eagle was shot in the neck with a small caliber rifle from Lower Cow Creek Road approximately 2 miles south of Doe Creek Road. The suspect vehicle is described as a newer red or maroon compact four door truck likely a Nissan Frontier or similar model.
Those with information are asked to contact Sr. Trooper Stone directly at (541) 817-4472 or OSP dispatch at (541) 440-3333. Those with information can remain anonymous and a cash TIP or preference point reward will be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case.
On Sunday, December 30, 2018, at approximately 6:45 A.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 84 near milepost 208.
When emergency personnel arrived they located the pedestrian with life threatening injuries, but no vehicle was located at the scene
The pedestrian, Alicia Flores (40) of Stanfield, OR. was transported by ambulance to St. Anthony Hospital where she was then transported by Life Flight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA.
On Monday, December 31, 2018 Flores was pronounced deceased from her injuries.
On Monday, December 31, 2018 Daniel Robert Edwards (29) of Hermiston reported to the Oregon State Police office in Hermiston, after reading on a news outlet that a pedestrian had been struck on I 84, stating that he believed he had struck the pedestrian.
Edwards is cooperating with the investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Pendleton Fire Department, and ODOT.
This is an ongoing investigation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cate Duke
cate.duke@madd.org, (541) 343-8115
Law Enforcement High Visibility Enforcement Saturation Patrol
WHAT: On Monday, December 31, 2018, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is partnering with Oregon State Police and local law enforcement agencies including Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, Monmouth Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Salem Police Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police Department, and OSP-Salem to hold a New Year’s Eve high visibility saturation patrol.
WHEN: December 31, 2018 (Kickoff briefing @ 6:00 p.m.)
WHERE: Independence Police Department, 555 S Main St, Independence, OR 97351
WHO: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, Monmouth Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Salem Police Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police Department, and OSP-Salem
WHY: To raise public awareness about the importance of planning ahead before drinking or using impairing substances, to ensure a safe drive home.
MADD wants you to think before you get behind the wheel this New Year’s Eve. Join MADD in the effort to have No More Victims! Please plan ahead and use a non-drinking sober designated driver, Uber, taxi, or other form of ride sharing service to get home safely. If you choose to drive impaired, specially trained officers will be on the road looking for you!
For those personally impacted by drunk driving, drugged driving, and underage drinking consequences, MADD Victim Services are available at no charge. MADD serves one person every fifteen minutes through local victim advocates and MADD’s 24-Hour Victim Help Line, 1-877-MADD-HELP.
On December 30, 2018 at approximately 7:48 P.M. Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 238 near milepost 8.5.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Nissan Rogue, operated by Daniel Horowitz, age 64 of Grants Pass, was eastbound on Hwy 238 when it veered off of the road and into the ditch.
The passenger, Julie Horowitz, age 76 of Grants Pass, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Daniel Horowitz was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by AMR, Rural Metro Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The highway was partially closed for 3 hours.
A medical event is being investigated as a possible cause of the crash.
On Saturday, December 29, 2018, at approximately 9:37 A.M.. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 238 near mile post 3.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Subaru Forester, operated by Eric Maddox (34) of Grants Pass, OR. swerved to avoid a deer crossing the road. The Subaru left its lane, over corrected, and entered the opposing lane of traffic. The Subaru collided with an oncoming Ford Ranger, operated by Robert Culton (63) of Williams, OR.
Maddox sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Culton was transported, by ambulance to Three Rivers Community Hospital for injuries.
Hwy 238 was closed for approximately 2 hours.
OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Department, Josephine County Rural Metro Fire, and ODOT.
On Friday, December 28, 2018 at approximately 2:50 AM. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 290.
Preliminary investigation reveals that a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo, operated by John Figura (26) of Port Orford, was southbound on Hwy 101 when it traveled off the roadway, rolled, and struck a telephone pole.
The passenger in the vehicle, Natalie Wilson (24) from Port Orford, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Figura was transported to the hospital in Gold Beach with non life threatening injuries.
Driver fatigue (sleep) is thought to be a contributing factor in the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Langlois Rural Fire Department and ODOT.
The operator of the motorcycle has been identified as John Weaver (66) from Dallas. The passenger in the sidecar has been identified as Laura Weaver (66) from Dallas.
The operator of the GMC Yukon has been identified as Brandon Folkert (41) from Salem.
The motorcycle was unable to avoid the deer and it was struck before the motorcycle went into the westbound lane.
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On Thursday, December 27, 2018 at approximately 12:58 pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 22W near milepost 8.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a motorcycle, with attached side car, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 22W when it swerved into the westbound lane of travel to avoid hitting a deer. The motorcycle collided with a westbound GMC Yukon.
The two occupants of the motorcycle sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The occupants of the Yukon sustained minor injuries.
Hwy 22W was closed for approximately 2.5 hours following the crash before the eastbound lane was opened.
OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Fire Department, and ODOT.
This in an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.
On December 24, 2018 at approximately 5:32 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers (OSP) and emergency personnel responded to a reported fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash on US-101 around milepost 54.
Preliminary investigation revealed the victim, Carol Warner Christen, age 79, of Yamhill, had been reported missing to TIllamook County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) at 4:55 PM from Barview Jetty County Park, just north of the crash scene. At approximately 5:29PM, TCSO dispatch was alerted a person was laying in the roadway at milepost 54. At 5:32PM, OSP Northern Command Center dispatched troopers to the scene of fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash. Christen suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The drivers of the vehicles that struck Christen stayed on scene and cooperated with the investigation.
US-101 was completely closed for approximately four hours after the crash. OSP was assisted by TCSO, Rockaway Beach Police Department, Tillamook Fire, and Oregon Department of Transportation. No photographs are available.
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On December 25, 2018, at approximately 1:15 pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two-vehicle rear end collision on Highway 126 and Cloverdale Road just east of Sisters in Deschutes County.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a blue 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by David Jackson, age 58, of Bend, Oregon, was slowing down in preparation for an upcoming left turn, when his vehicle was rear ended by a maroon 2001 GMC Yukon, operated by Andria Mengucci, age 40, of Madras, Oregon. David Jackson was pronounced deceased at St Charles Hospital of Bend, shortly after 5pm as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Multiple passengers from both involved vehicles were transported and treated for non life-threatening injuries.
Distracted driving is considered to be a contributing factor in this crash. A minor child in the offending vehicle was unrestrained and and sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Highway 126 remained closed for close to two hours following the crash. OSP was assisted by ODOT, Deschutes County SO, Redmond, FD, Cloverdale FD, Sisters FD, and Black Butte Ranch FD.
No photos available at this time. This is an ongoing investigation and further inquiries can be directed to the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office.