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News Releases
Fatal Crash -- Hwy. 207 -- Wheeler County - 05/13/24

WHEELER COUNTY, Ore. 13 May 2024 – On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:02 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash on Hwy. 207 near milepost 18 in Wheeler County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by William Charles Edward Herrold (42) of Oregon City, was leading a group of motorcycles northbound on Hwy. 207 when it veered onto the gravel shoulder, lost control, and crashed. 

The operator (William Herrold) and passenger, Tanya Marie Ann Herrold (44) of Oregon City, were both thrown from the motorcycle. William Herrold was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Tanya Herrold died at the scene. 

A second motorcycle operated by Raymond Curtis Zentz (50) of Vancouver (WA) also veered onto the gravel shoulder and went down. Zentz was not injured.  

Traveling too fast for conditions was reported as a contributing factor to the crash. 

The highway was impacted for four hours. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office, Wheeler County Fire & Rescue, Mitchel Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

Fatal Crash -- Hwy. 26 -- Clackamas County - 05/13/24

Fatal Crash – Hwy. 26 – Clackamas County
Clackamas County near Welches

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 13 May 2024 – On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10:10 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 26 in Clackamas County near milepost 37. 

The preliminary investigation indicated that a white Mazda sedan, operated by Erwin Michael Cheney (57) of Eagle Creek, was turning eastbound onto Hwy. 26 from a driveway. The vehicle had missed a turn and was turning around in the driveway. As the sedan was turning on the highway, a westbound blue Honda motorcycle, operated by Norman Ralph Lawrence Markham (59) of Sandy, crashed into the rear driver side of the sedan. 

The motorcycle operator (Markham) was thrown off the motorcycle and subsequently struck by another vehicle prior to law enforcement's arrival. Markham died at the scene. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

OSP to Recognize National Missing Children's Day - Mid-Willamette Valley - 05/09/24

MARION COUNTY, Ore. 9 May 2024 – In recognition of National Missing Children’s Day, May 25, 2024, the Oregon State Police Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse is sponsoring an awareness event to provide resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers. 

The event, which coincides with Missing Children's Day, will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the north end of Capitol Mall Park in Salem (Center Steet NE between Winter and Capitol Streets). From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., OSP representatives and partner agencies will be on hand with activities and giveaways. 

The event will include informational booths from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Safe Oregon, OSP’s Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. Attendees can pick up free identification and DNA kits, visit with a police search and rescue K-9, and tour OSP’s new command vehicle. 

Julie Willard, OSP’s Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse coordinator, said, “National Missing Children’s Day is an opportunity to remember the thousands of children who go missing each year. We work to educate parents about how to keep their kids safe, and we teach children about the “4 Rules for Personal Safety” that they can learn about on Kid Smartz." 

Kid Smartz is a child safety program that educates and empowers grades K-5 to practice safer behaviors. Please visit the Kid Smartz website for more information. 

About National Missing Children’s Day:
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children’s Day in memory of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Etan’s killer was convicted in February 2017, but the case remains active because his body has never been recovered. National Missing Children's Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. The commemoration serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

Domestic violence suspect attempts to flee from police - Marion/Clackamas Counties - 05/07/24

MARION/CLACKAMAS COUNTIES, Ore. 7 May 2024 – A domestic violence suspect led Oregon State troopers on a high-speed pursuit through Marion and Clackamas counties yesterday.  

On Monday, May 6, 2024, at approximately 11:50 a.m., troopers from the Salem Patrol Office were investigating a domestic assault that occurred the previous evening on Hwy. 214 near Silver Falls State Park. Troopers located the suspect’s vehicle on 72nd Avenue near Joseph Street SE east of Salem.  

The vehicle eluded troopers and ultimately fled northbound on Interstate 5 from the Salem area at speeds over 115 mph. Troopers and Salem Police Department officers pursued the vehicle until it became stuck in a field off NE Eilers Road south of Wilsonville.  

The suspect, Matthew James Rodgers (33) of McMinnville, refused to get out of the vehicle and was armed with a hatchet. After negotiations with Rodgers were unsuccessful, a chemical irritant was deployed into the vehicle by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Rodgers then exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.  

Rodgers was charged with burglary, attempt to elude police, reckless driving, reckless endangering, criminal mischief, assault IV (domestic), strangulation, harassment (domestic), coercion (domestic), and unlawful use of a weapon.  

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Salem Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, Canby Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.  

The investigation is on-going and additional information is not available for release at this time. 

 

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About the Oregon State Police 
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.  

 

Suspected poachers_trail cam 3
Suspected poachers_trail cam 3
UPDATE - OSP Fish & Wildlife asking for public assistance - Umatilla County (Photo) - 05/07/24

UPDATE - The suspects in this case have been identified. No additional assistance in identifying the suspects is needed. 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 6 May 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the persons responsible for the unlawful take of elk in Umatilla County. 

Oregon State troopers responded to the area of Pine Creek Road on Feb. 6, 2024, on a report of several elk killed unlawfully on a private ranch. Multiple individuals were photographed on trail cameras trespassing on the private property on Dec. 29, 2023, and Dec. 30, 2023. It is believed those same individuals were also photographed packing out elk meat through the private property, during the same time period. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number is SP24-040213.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

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: Pronghorn 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 the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Fatal Crash - HWY 101 - Coos County - 05/07/24

Coos County, Ore. 5 May 24- On Sunday, May 5, 1:02 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 250, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Nissan Pathfinder, operated by Ryan Scott Sapp (38) of Grants Pass, left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck the embankment on the northbound side of the roadway, rolled, and came to rest upside down in the ditch.

The operator (Sapp) was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the Nissan, Tasheena Fawn Reyes (33) of Grants Pass, was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Bandon Fire, Green Acres Fire, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Fatal Crash- HWY 26 - Wasco County - 05/06/24

Wasco County, Ore. 4 May 24- On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6:51 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 93, in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Scion, operated by Kyle D. Kircher (30) of Happy Valley, left the roadway at the Mill Creek Bridge and landed approximately 250 feet below the bridge on the canyon floor.

The operator of the vehicle (Kircher) was declared deceased at the scene. 

Kircher was reported as suicidal at 12:19 a.m. and the vehicle was located in the canyon by the Warm Springs Police Department at 1:05 a.m.. Due to the location of the vehicle, dark lighting conditions, and safety concerns the recovery was delayed until daylight. At this time, the evidence indicates the crash was intentional.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours.

OSP was assisted by Warm Spring PD, Warm Springs Fire, Deschutes County Search and Rescue, and ODOT.

Turn in Poachers (TIP) Line report leads to conviction of unlicensed guide - Columbia County - 04/30/24

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. 30 April 2024 – A tip to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line alerted Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife troopers to a Columbia County business illegally providing guide services. The tip led to the arrest and conviction of Eric Swanson, 31, operator of Eric Swanson Outdoors, who advertised guided fishing trips on the Columbia River and guided waterfowl hunts on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. 

The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) confirmed that Swanson failed to renew his guide license. The investigation revealed Swanson had been illegally guiding fishing and hunting trips in 2022 and into 2023, receiving a substantial income from the illegally guided trips. In addition, Swanson had forged the outfitter guide sticker attached to his boat with the identification number of another legally registered guide.

On January 13, 2023, Oregon State Police executed a search warrant. During the search warrant, forged stickers were seized from Swanson’s boat.

On April 24, 2024, Swanson pled guilty in Columbia County to two counts of Fail to Register Outfitter/Guide. In addition to 24 months of probation, Swanson was ordered to pay $30,000 to the Oregon State Marine Board, $15,000 to the Oregon Outfitters and Guides, and $5,000 to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, bringing the total restitution amount to $50,000.

The guide licensing process is a public safety measure, according to Cyndi Bolduc, OSMB Outfitter Guide program coordinator for the boating safety program. Licensing establishes that operators meet safety standards, including operating certification, first aid and CPR certification, and insurance coverage. OSMB is tasked with maintaining those standards.

"Unlicensed guides undercut all aspects of guiding, not only fees," Bolduc said. "Enforcement is a priority with the marine board, and we've worked hard to have guiding infractions included in the TIP program and eligible for rewards."

People who call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line to report poaching, habitat destruction, and other crimes against fish and wildlife are eligible to receive either cash rewards or, in some instances, hunter preference points if their tip leads to an arrest or citation. The reporting party, in this case, received a $200 cash reward. Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) cash rewards apply to anyone acting as an outfitter guide for illegally killing wildlife, illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling licenses, or illegally offering to act as an outfitter guide.

"We need people to do the right thing and contact the TIP Line if they know of illegal activity," Bolduc said. "In this case, we are pleased to give a TIP reward to the reporting party who suspected Swanson was cheating the system and knowingly ignoring the legal requirements."

If you know of or suspect other crimes against fish wildlife or habitat, please report to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line by calling 1-800-452-7888, dialing *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone or emailing TIP@osp.oregon.gov.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Fatal Crash - HWY 101 - Tillamook County - 04/29/24

Tillamook County, Ore. 27 Apr. 24- On Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 4:55 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 39, in Tillamook County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Dodge Charger, operated by Ellis Miller Heine (56) of Cottage Grove, attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control. The Dodge slid across the northbound lane and into the ditch at highway speeds before striking a tree.

The operator of the Dodge (Ellis Heine) was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital.

A passenger in the Dodge, Rhonda Sue Heine (55) of Cottage Grove, was declared deceased at the scene.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office and Nehalem Bay Fire.

 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Fatal Crash - HWY 20 - Lincoln County - 04/29/24

Lincoln County, Ore. 26 Apr 24- On Friday, April 26, 2024, at 4:42 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 1.5, in Lincoln County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Subaru Forester, operated by Velma June Freudenthal (78) of Newport, crossed the centerline into the eastbound lanes and struck an eastbound Nissan light duty pickup, operated by Christopher Michael Robeson (62) of Siletz, head-on.

The operator the Nissan (Robeson) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Nissan, Ramona Lynette Luledjian (55) of Toledo, was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital.

The operator of the Subaru (Freudenthal) suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Newport Fire, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Officer Involved Shooting- Interstate 5- Linn County - 04/28/24

Linn County, Ore. 28 April 2024-

Oregon State Police and Linn County Sheriff’s Office Pursue Coburg Shooting Suspect – Results In Officer-Involved Shooting. 

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to the Coburg area to assist the Coburg Police Department and Lane County Sheriff’s Office with a reported shooting. The shooting in Coburg critically injured one of the involved individuals and a search ensued for the other involved suspect.

At approximately 6:00 p.m., a vehicle of interest in the Coburg shooting was reported as a driving complaint. The vehicle was located by Linn County Deputies, Lane County Deputies, and Oregon State Troopers.  A pursuit ensued northbound on Interstate 5 from exit 209. After a successful deployment of spike strips to stop the suspect vehicle, the vehicle crashed along the shoulder of Interstate 5. At the crash scene, an officer-involved shooting occurred, involving the Linn County Deputies and OSP Troopers from the pursuit. 

The driver of the suspect vehicle is deceased. A passenger in the suspect vehicle was also injured during the officer-involved shooting and was transported for treatment.

No law enforcement members were injured during these incidents.

The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Team is investigating the Coburg shooting. 

Pursuant to Linn County Use of Deadly Force (SB 111) protocols, the Albany Police Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting on Interstate 5, and any involved law enforcement members have been placed on paid administrative leave by their respective agencies. Any further information will be released by the Albany Police Department.

Sgt. OJ Johnson with Roman Santos
Sgt. OJ Johnson with Roman Santos
* Update - Photo * OSP Statement regarding AMBER Alert suspect from Washington (Photo) - 04/24/24

UPDATE - Photo added of Sgt. OJ Johnson with Roman Santos. 


 

The following statement was provided at this evening's news conference in Eugene. 

Captain Kyle Kennedy, Oregon State Police

I want to start by sending our heartfelt support to the community in West Richland, Washington, a community dealing with senseless tragedy. My prayer is their community will come together to provide support and strength during this grievous time.

The conclusion of this search has been the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners in Washington and Oregon, as well as federal contributors. Since the start, our goal has been simple—to bring Roman Santos home safely. We did it. Roman is in the care of Oregon officials.

Last evening, the Oregon State Police issued an AMBER Alert at approximately 11:35 p.m. at the request of the Washington State Patrol. This AMBER alert was in response to the murder of two women in West Richland, Washington, and the kidnapping of a 1-year-old infant - Roman Santos.  The suspect in these murders and kidnapping was identified as Elias Huizar. The suspect was reportedly driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla with Washington plates.

Today, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Oregon State Police troopers were observing Interstate 5 for the suspect when he located the vehicle southbound near milepost 221. OSP initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled southbound. Two troopers engaged in a pursuit with the suspect vehicle at high speeds heading southbound.

Near milepost 209, there was a minor collision and the suspect vehicle lost control. An exchange of gunfire occurred prior to the vehicle fleeing again southbound. No known injuries occurred as a result of the gunfire.

Near milepost 197, the suspect crashed into a stopped CMV and stopped in the median. As troopers contacted the suspect vehicle, he was deceased of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The infant was located uninjured and removed from the vehicle.

Involved in the exchange of gunfire, was Superintendent Casey Codding and Sergeant Orly Johnson of the Oregon State Police.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to lead the investigation.

We are very proud of the efforts of the troopers involved in this pursuit today. Their dedication and courage are a hallmark of the character of an Oregon State Trooper. Their efforts today were paramount in bringing Roman home safely.

I want to thank our partners:

WASHINGTON: Kennewick PD, Paso PD, Richland PD, Prosser PD, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Benton Fire Districts 1 and 4, FBI, US Marshal’s, Fish and Wildlife

OREGON: PPB, OSP, Hillsboro, and Portland FBI.                     

PURSUIT: OSP, Linn County Sheriff's Office    

ON SCENE: Lane County Sheriff's Office, Eugene Police Department, Coburg Police Department

Attached Media Files: Sgt. OJ Johnson with Roman Santos
Fatal Crash -- Hwy. 20 -- Malheur County - 04/24/24

MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. 24 April 2024 – On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 4:25 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 20 near milepost 235 in Malheur County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer, operated by Hunter Brucker (22) of Redmond, was traveling eastbound when it entered the westbound lane to pass an eastbound commercial motor vehicle. A westbound Ford Maverick, operated by a 17-year-old male, swerved onto the westbound shoulder to avoid a collision with the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet also swerved onto the westbound shoulder and collided with the Ford Maverick. 

The driver of a Ford Maverick (a 17-year-old male) was pronounced deceased at the scene. A juvenile passenger (a 13-year-old female) was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with reportedly serious injuries. 

The driver of the Chevrolet (Brucker) sustained minor injuries and was not transported for medical care. 

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. 

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure Valley Paramedics, Vale Fire and Ambulance, Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Fatal Crash -- Hwy 101 -- Lincoln County - 04/24/24

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 24 April 2024 – On Monday, April 22, 2024, at 5:39 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 101 near milepost 143 within the Newport city limits. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo was driving southbound on Hwy. 101 when it crossed the middle lane into the northbound lane for unknown reasons and collided with a white Honda Odyssey. 

The driver of the Chevrolet, Heidi Fay Rock (74) of Waldport, was transported to a local hospital where she later died from injuries sustained during the crash. 

The driver of the Honda, Celeste Diana Paulson (38) of Newport, and two juvenile passengers (a 6-year-old and a 4-month-old) were transported to a local hospital with reportedly minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours. 

OSP was assisted by the Newport Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

* UPDATE * Media Advisory: OSP News Conference - 04/23/24

UPDATE

OSP is setting up to stream the news conference on Facebook and will send a news release following the news conference. 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/OSPsocial/


OSP News Conference regarding AMBER Alert suspect from Washington

Date: April 23, 2024 at 6 p.m. 

Location: Public Safety Building, Harris Hall, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401

Media may begin staging at 5:45 p.m. for the 6 p.m. news conference. OSP will provide an overview of the incident. It's uncertain whether OSP will take any questions at that time. 

Fatal Crash - Interstate 5 - Douglas County - 04/20/24

Douglas County, Ore. 19 Apr. 24- On Friday, April 19, 2024, at 7:58 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 146, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Jaguar F-Pace, operated by Paul William Jordison (23) of Rochester (WA), veered off the right-hand shoulder of the roadway for unknown reasons. The Jaguar left the roadway, traveled airborne for approximately 100 feet down an embankment, and struck a tree approximately 15 feet above the ground level before falling to the base of the tree.

The operator (Jordison) was declared deceased at the scene.

Before the crash, the Jaguar was reportedly driving at high speeds.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by North Douglas County Fire and ODOT.

 

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About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

UPDATE: Demonstrators block Interstate 5 in Lane County - Oregon State Police - 04/15/24

UPDATE

As a result of this morning’s demonstration, 52 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and theft 2. All suspects are in custody at the Lane County Jail. 

Six vehicles were towed from the scene. 

Today’s incident required a significant law enforcement response. Responding agencies included: 

  • Eugene Police Department – 31 officers; 1 transport van 
  • Springfield Police Department – 22 officers; 1 transport van
  • Lane County Sheriff’s Office – 20 deputies; 2 jail vans    
  • Oregon State Police – 48 troopers 
  • Oregon Department of Transportation Incident Response – 6 personnel 
  • Springfield Fire Department and Eugene Fire Department  

OSP would like to thank area law enforcement agencies for their partnership and response to this incident. 

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LANE COUNTY, Ore. 15 April 2024 – At approximately 10:00 a.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to I-5 southbound at milepost 194 in Eugene to reports of protesters blocking the interstate. Protesters blocked all southbound traffic lanes near the Barlow Bridge. 

 

Throughout the incident, demonstrators were given continuous lawful orders to disperse before dozens of people were arrested for disorderly conduct. At least one individual was discovered to be in possession of a firearm.

 

The interstate traffic was stopped for approximately 45 minutes. Southbound lanes are now open; however, law enforcement remains on the scene while observers continue to gather along the highway. 

 

Oregon State Police supports an individual’s right to lawfully protest and express concerns over world events. However, today’s actions put Oregon’s motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway.

 

At this time, future comments will be limited due to the ongoing criminal investigations. 

 

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About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.