On Friday, September 8, 2023, at 9:15 a.m., Albany Police and Fire Department personnel were called to a vehicle vs pedestrian traffic crash at the intersection of SE Waverly Drive and 47^th Avenue. 

A white 2009 Toyota Camry was traveling north on Waverly Drive and left its lane of travel up over the right curb and continued directly into the crosswalk/intersection of 47^th Avenue.  The vehicle struck 85-year-old Albany resident, Percy Kropf, as he was walking south on Waverly Drive crossing 47^th Avenue. The vehicle continued forward after striking Mr. Kropf and came to a stop after striking the Mennonite Village entrance sign, head on.  Percy Kropf was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, and later died from his injuries.

The driver of the Toyota Camry, 43-year-old James Lee Howe, of Albany, was arrested and charged with the following:

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
• Manslaughter II
• Reckless Driving

Waverly Drive was closed until 12:25 p.m., while the Multi Agency Investigation Team (MAIT) investigated and processed the scene of the crash.  The suspect vehicle was taken to the Albany Police Department where it will be processed for further evidence.  The Linn County Sheriff’s Office assisted Albany Police with the investigation. 

The investigation is still ongoing and no further information is available at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Albany Police Detectives, 541-917-7686.

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