Fatal Crash – Highway 30 – Columbia County -07/25/25

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (July 25, 2025) – On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 3:59 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 30 in Columbia County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Chevrolet Cruze, operated by Gary Ronald Thomas (90) of St. Helens, was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 near milepost 39 when it crossed into the westbound lane for an unknown reason. The Chevrolet struck a westbound purple Saturn SL1, operated by Kyler Warren Rinck (20) of Longview, WA, and a blue Toyota Camry, operated by Cori Marie Mack (61) of Rainier.
 

The operator of the Chevrolet (Thomas) was transported to an area hospital by Life Flight with serious injuries. He later died at the hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.
 

The operator of the Saturn (Rinck) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
 

The operator of the Toyota (Mack) was transported to an area hospital in a private vehicle with minor injuries.
 

The highway was closed for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Rainier Police Department, Columbia County Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

** UPDATE: Investigaors Seeking Witnesses ** Oregon State Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting In Columbia County (Photo) -07/24/25

UPDATE (July 24, 2025): Investigators are asking witnesses to the pursuit or crash to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Please refer to case number: SP25-343407. 
 

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (July 21, 2025) — The Oregon State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday in Columbia County.

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit of a white Kia Optima on Canaan Road near Highway 30 in Deer Island. The suspect, identified as Kyle Davis Graham, 47, lost control of the vehicle, drove off the roadway, and down an embankment before coming to rest near Merrill Creek. The armed suspect was confronted by an officer, and shots were fired, striking Graham. Additional officers from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Rainier Police Department arrived on the scene. Despite life-saving measures by officers and medics, the suspect died at the scene.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The suspect had also eluded officers from the Washington State Patrol on July 19, 2025, across the Lewis and Clark Bridge from Washington into Oregon.

The involved officer, Deputy Seann Luedke of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, has been placed on administrative leave per standard protocol. Deputy Luedke has been with the department for three years and has prior Oregon law enforcement experience.

The Columbia County Use of Deadly Physical Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident. Oregon State Police is conducting the primary investigation under the guidance of the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office. Any further information will be released by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office at the conclusion of the investigation.

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About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that safeguards Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws, investigates crimes, performs postmortem examinations and forensic analyses, conducts background checks, and manages law enforcement data. The agency also regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP includes more than 1,400 employees—troopers, investigators, and professional staff—delivering comprehensive public safety services to Oregon and supporting law enforcement partners statewide.

** UPDATE: Corrected Date ** Fatal Crash – Hit And Run – Tillamook County -07/24/25

UPDATE: Updated to reflect that the crash occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025. 
 

TILLAMOOK COUNTY, Ore. 23 July 2025 – On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle hit-and-run fatal crash on Highway 18 in Tillamook County near Grand Ronde.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a white Honda Civic, operated by Alejandro Christopher Velazquez Lopez (34) of Tillamook, was traveling eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 14. The Honda left the travel lane and entered the eastbound shoulder, where a black Nissan Altima with a flat tire was parked. Three 17-year-old males were outside the Nissan, changing the flat tire, when the Honda left the roadway and struck all three juveniles. The Honda did not stop and continued driving eastbound on the highway.
 

All three male juveniles were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. A 17-year-old female passenger was inside the Nissan at the time of the crash and was not injured.

OSP Major Crime Section detectives were immediately called to investigate and locate the operator of the Honda.

On July 14, 2025, OSP investigators were notified that one of the 17-year-old males died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.

The operator of the Honda (Lopez) is believed to have left the country and there is an active warrant for his arrest.

The highway was impacted for approximately 11.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Police, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Fatal Crash – Highway 99E – Linn County -07/23/25

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (July 23, 2025) – On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at approximately 9:13 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99E near Harrisburg.

The preliminary investigation indicated a green Toyota Tacoma, operated by Laura Marie Howard (48) of Corvallis, was traveling westbound on Highway 99E near Cartney Drive when it entered the intersection without stopping at the stop sign. The Toyota was struck by a southbound white Freightliner semi-truck and trailer, operated by Barret E. Morrison (31) of McMinnville.
 

The operator of the Tacoma (Howard) was declared deceased at the scene.
 

The operator of the Freightliner (Morrison) was not injured. A passenger in the commercial motor vehicle, Eric Sean Fisher (56) of Newberg, was also not injured.
 

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

OSP Seeking Information Regarding Person Accused Of Sex Crimes In Southern Oregon (Photo) -07/23/25

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 23, 2025) — On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Oregon State Police arrested David Brian Scott (50) of Grants Pass for multiple sex crimes. The arrest occurred in the 600 block of SW Balsam Road in Grants Pass. Scott is currently lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of rape 1, three counts of sodomy 1, unlawful sexual penetration 1, attempting to commit sodomy, and sex abuse 3.

Anyone with additional information regarding Scott is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or call *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number #SP25-340600.
 

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About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that safeguards Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws, investigates crimes, performs postmortem examinations and forensic analyses, conducts background checks, and manages law enforcement data. The agency also regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP includes more than 1,400 employees—troopers, investigators, and professional staff—delivering comprehensive public safety services to Oregon and supporting law enforcement partners statewide.

Fatal Crash - Highway 22W - Polk County -07/18/25

Polk County, Ore. 18 July 2025- On Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 4:12 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22W, at the intersection with Highway 223, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Kawasaki EJ650 motorcycle, operated by David Peter Jorgensen (88) of Oak Harbor (WA), was stopped on Highway 223 (northbound) at the intersection with Highway 22W. The Kawasaki attempted to cross Highway 22W and struck the side of a westbound Kenworth log truck, operated by Timothy Lawrence May (60) of Sheridan.

The operator of the Kawasaki (Jorgensen) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Kenworth (May) was reportedly not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

UPDATE: ** Corrected Patient Status ** Fatal Crash - Highway 34 - Linn County -07/15/25

Correction: The Oregon State Police learned this morning that Logan James Irwin did not succumb to injuries sustained from being struck by a vehicle on Sunday, July 6, 2025, near Tangent. Mr. Irwin is currently receiving medical care at a local hospital. OSP has contacted Mr. Irwin’s family to express our deep regret for the reporting error and any additional pain it may have caused. We sincerely apologize for this error.

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Correction: Headline corrected to Linn County.

Linn County, Ore. 8 July 2025- On Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 4:09 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 34, near milepost 6, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Logan James Irwin (24) of Tangent, entered the eastbound lane and was struck by an eastbound Subaru outback, operated by Edward Thomas Peterson. 

The pedestrian (Irwin) was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. 

The Subaru operator (Peterson) was reportedly uninjured and remained at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Fatal Crash – Highway 20 – Malheur County -07/09/25

MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. 9 July 2025 – On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 12:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash in Malheur County near Harper.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a blue Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Alberto Ruiz Gomez (33) of Hermiston, was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 220 when it left the roadway onto the eastbound shoulder for an unknown reason. The operator overcorrected, causing the semi to flip over.
 

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

The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

** UPDATE ** Fatal Crash – Highway 101 – Coos County -07/05/25

Updated to add the time of the crash. 

COOS COUNTY, Ore. 5 July 2025 – On Friday, July 4, 2025, at approximately 1:06 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle fatal crash in Coos County near Lakeside.

The preliminary investigation indicated a beige Kia Optima, operated by Manual Samuel Starr (38) of Coos Bay, was traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline for unknown reasons. The Kia sideswiped a southbound black Toyota Corolla, operated by Kent McQuillen (61) of Florence, before colliding head-on with a black Dodge Ram, operated by Jose Maria Rodriguez Garcia (55) of Coos Bay. A southbound silver Subaru Outback, operated by Lori Priest (61) of Lake Stevens, Washington, was unable to avoid the crash and also collided head-on with the Kia.  

The operator of the Kia (Starr) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Kia’s rear passenger, Shatara Rosemarie Holmes (39) of Coos Bay, was also pronounced deceased at the scene. A seven-month-old female infant, the operator and passenger’s child, did not appear to be injured, but was transported to a local hospital.

The operator of the Dodge Ram (Rodriguez Garcia) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The front passenger, Nicole Virginia Rodriguez (44) of Coos Bay, was transported to a local hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries. Passenger Jose Rodriguez Chase Jr. (20) of Coos Bay, a three-year-old male passenger, and a 14-year-old female passenger had reported minor injuries.   

The operator of the Subaru (Priest) had reported minor injuries. Passenger Nanette Myra Priest (55) of Lake Stevens (WA) and a 10-year-old passenger were not injured.

The operator of the Toyota (McQuillen) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Hauser Fire Department, North Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Coos County Medical Examiner, North Bend Chapel, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84 – Morrow County -07/05/25

MORROW COUNTY, Ore. 5 July 2025 – On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 10:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash in Morrow County near Boardman.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Honda Odyssey, operated by Timothy W. Nelson (50), unknown address, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 162 when it left the roadway and struck the end of a guardrail.

The Honda operator (Nelson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Police Department, Boardman Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

*Update* Fatal Crash – Highway 140 – Lake County -07/03/25

UPDATE: Corrected to state the Mercedes van was traveling westbound. 

LAKE COUNTY, Ore. – July 2, 2025 – On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at approximately 3:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash in Lake County near Lakeview.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Daniel Klinkert (48) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was traveling westbound on Highway 140 near milepost 1 when it entered the intersection with a southbound commercial motor vehicle towing double trailers. The southbound red Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Nicholas Cardoza (61) of Lakeview, swerved to avoid a collision with the van, left the roadway, and rolled over.

The operator of the Kenworth (Cardoza) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Mercedes van (Klinkert) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash remains under investigation.  

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeview EMS, Lakeview Fire Department, and Thomas Creek-Westside Fire Department.
 

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Fatal Crash – Highway 20 – Deschutes County -07/01/25

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. – July 1, 2025 – On Monday, June 30, 2025, at approximately 8:59 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash in Deschutes County near Sisters.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a blue Subaru Outback, operated by Randolf Lee Burghart (63) of St. Helens, was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 95 when, for unknown reasons, it left the roadway. The vehicle struck a guardrail, bounced off, crossed into the oncoming lane, and collided with a tree.
 

The operator and sole occupant (Burghart) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Black Butte Fire Department, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, Black Butte Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

OSP Seeks Information Regarding Road Rage Incident In Marion County -06/27/25

MARION COUNTY, Ore. (June 27, 2025) – At approximately 12:21 a.m. on June 27, 2025, Oregon State Police responded to a reported road rage incident on Interstate 5 southbound, between mileposts 265 and 263, in Marion County.

The incident involved a 2010 black Nissan Maxima and a sport utility vehicle resembling a 2008–2011 Dodge Journey, lighter in color, possibly gold or silver. Both vehicles were reportedly traveling in the far left and middle lanes at various points during the altercation.

During the altercation, the right-front passenger in the Dodge Journey discharged a firearm at the Nissan Maxima, striking the vehicle’s rear driver-side quarter panel multiple times. The shooter was reportedly wearing a ski mask. No injuries were reported.
 

The Dodge Journey was last seen exiting I-5 south at milepost 263 in an unknown direction.

There is not believed to be an ongoing threat to the public.  

OSP is asking for the public’s assistance in gathering information related to this case. If you have any information, please contact Detective Kelly Lorence through the Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-317802.

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About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that safeguards Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws, investigates crimes, performs postmortem examinations and forensic analyses, conducts background checks, and manages law enforcement data. The agency also regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP includes more than 1,400 employees—troopers, investigators, and professional staff—delivering comprehensive public safety services to Oregon and supporting law enforcement partners statewide.

Fatal Crash - Highway 101 - Clatsop County -06/27/25

Clatsop County, Ore. 27 June 2025- On Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 1:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101, near milepost 27, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Toyota Tacoma, operated by Ian Granville Hix (30) of Seaside, crossed into the northbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a northbound Honda CRV, operated by Phyllis J. Harding (76) of San Francisco (CA), head-on. The Honda was pushed to the northbound shoulder while the Toyota continued in the northbound lane and struck a northbound Nissan Rogue, operated by Charles Paul LeBlanc (57) of Albuquerque (NM), head-on. 

The operator of the Toyota (HIX) suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Honda (Harding) suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Nissan (Charles P. LeBlanc) and passenger, Jennifer Lyria LeBlanc (52) of Albuquerque (NM), suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital.

Two additional passengers of the Nissan, a female juvenile (15) and a female juvenile (12), were declared deceased as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.

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

OSP was assisted by the Cannon Beach Police Department, Gearhart Police Department, Cannon Beach Fire, Seaside Fire, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.