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Fatal Crash- HWY 126E – Lane County01/06/23

On Thursday, January 5, 2023, at approximately 6:09 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 126E, near milepost 14.2, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Brandon Philes (50) of Springfield, was walking on the eastbound fog line of Hwy 126E, near milepost 14.2, when he was struck by an eastbound Subaru Outback, operated by Frank King III (66) of Springfield. The pedestrian, Philes, was declared deceased, at the scene by, medical personnel.

The highway remained partially open during the 3 hour crash scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriffs’ Office, Mckenzie Fire, the Lane County Medical Examiner, the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 238 – Jackson County01/05/23

On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at approximately 6:39 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 238, near milepost 20, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet pickup truck, operated by Steven Anson Marsh (45) of Applegate, was traveling eastbound on Highway 238 near mile post 20 and possibly struck a downed tree in the roadway. The vehicle went off the roadway and came to rest in a nearby ditch. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene.

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

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Oregon State Police Northwest Region Marijuana Team Serve Search Warrants at Three Locations – Marion County (Photo)01/04/23

On December 28, 2022, the Oregon State Police, Drug Enforcement Section, Northwest Region Marijuana Team (OSP NWR MJ) served search warrants at two locations near Aumsville and one location in South Salem.  Investigators with NWR MJ began the investigation after receiving neighborhood complaints and were able to determine the suspects moved to Oregon to grow illicit marijuana.

During the search warrant operation, investigators found 2,578 marijuana plants, 53 pounds of processed marijuana, and over $5000.00 in proceeds.  Four houses had been heavily modified and most, if not all, rooms were being used to grow marijuana.  An 11-year-old juvenile was staying at one residence. Officers concerned with the juvenile’s access to chemicals used in the grow operation and with health and life-safety issues associated with mold, blocked exit doors, and unpermitted, over-loaded, electrical systems, contacted the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Child Welfare.

Mr. Bin Dong, (40) of Salem, and Mr. Bin Bin Huang, (31) of Aumsville were lodged at the Marion County Jail and charged with:

ORS 475C.349, Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item
ORS 475C.337, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana Item
Oregon Laws Chapter 542 (2021), Sect. 41, Unlawful Production of Marijuana
ORS 164.170 – Laundering a Monetary Instrument
ORS 164.172 – Engaging in a financial transaction in property derived from unlawful activity
ORS 161.450 – Criminal Conspiracy to commit the aforementioned crimes

Charges for Mrs. Yu Chen, (40) of Sacramento, CA will be referred to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

NWR MJ was assisted in the operation by, the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Fatal Crash – HWY 97 – Klamath County01/04/23

On Monday, January 2, 2023, at approximately 7:08 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 235, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a commercial motor vehicle, towing a fuel tank, was traveling southbound on Hwy 97 when it lost control and crossed into the northbound lane of travel, striking an Chevrolet Suburban.  The momentum carried the commercial motor vehicle into a Dodge Ram 1500, which was parked on the side of the roadway. 

As a result of the crash, Roberto Raygoza Rosales (36) of Madras, was declared deceased at the scene.  A male juvenile also died due to injuries from the crash. Both Raygoza Rosales and the juvenile were occupants of the Suburban.

In addition to the reported deaths, multiple injuries were associated with this crash.

OSP is currently conducting a criminal investigation of the collision and no further information is available at this time.

OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire, Chemult Fire, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

Officer Involved Shooting- Morrow County01/04/23

Officer Involved Shooting- Morrow County

On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, two Boardman Police Officers attempted to contact Matthew Louis Spargo (39) regarding the violation of a restraining order.  The officers located Spargo in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS).  Spargo was taken into custody and was not injured as a result of the OIS.  No police officers were injured during the incident. 

A collaborative investigation pursuant to Senate Bill 111 is being conducted.  The Oregon State Police is  leading the investigation with the assistance of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Pendleton Police Department and the Morrow County District Attorney’s Office. 

Future releases of information will come from the Oregon State Police or the Morrow County District Attorney’s Office. 

Fatal Crash – HWY 47- Washington County01/03/23

On Friday, December 30, 2022, at approximately 12:55 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 47, near milepost 24, in Washington County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Diego Hernandez (27) of Woodburn, was driving southbound on Hwy 47 near milepost 24. The vehicle left its lane of travel for an unknown reason before hitting a 1998 Ford Ranger, operated by Nathan Pellham (30) of Yamhill, head-on. A passenger in the Ford Ranger, Meliny Fischer (31) of Yamhill, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Pellham was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. 

Hernandez was provided medical care and arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangering. Additional charges will be considered once the investigation is complete. 

OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriffs’ Office, the Washington County District Attorney, the Washington County Medical Examiner, Gaston Fire, Forest Grove Fire, and ODOT.

Double Fatal Crash – HWY 42 – Douglas County01/03/23

On Monday, January 2, 2023, at approximately 9:30 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 42, near milepost 70.5, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a GMC Yukon, operated by Jimmy Brown (35) of Ten Mile, was towing another GMC Yukon when it crossed into oncoming lanes and crashed head-on into a fully loaded Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by Garret Mizuno (30) of Myrtle Creek. The GMC Yukon operator and passenger, Jason Elam (35) of Ten Mile, were pronounced deceased at the scene.  The operator of the Peterbilt was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the crash and was cooperative with the investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Winston Police Department, Douglas County Fire, the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and ODOT.

Officer Involved Shooting- Officer Involved Shooting- Linn County01/02/23

Officer Involved Shooting- Oregon State Police- Linn County

On Monday, January 2, 2023, at approximately 11:45 A.M., Oregon State Troopers responded to assist the Linn County Sheriffs’ Department, who was in pursuit of a vehicle.  The pursuit terminated within the City of Albany and Oregon State Troopers were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting. The suspect was transported via ambulance to a local hospital.  No law enforcement personnel were physically injured during the incident.  The Albany Police Department will be conducting the investigation of the incident.  Future releases of information will be made by the Albany Police Department and the Linn County District Attorney’s Office.

Fatal Crash – HWY 74 – Morrow County01/01/23

On Friday, December 30, 2022, at approximately 5:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 74, near milepost 39, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray 2017 Ford Explorer, operated by Kellie Renae Nelson (27) of Heppner, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 74 when it left its lane of travel and collided head-on with a westbound red 1993 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Ronald Lee Stutzman (71) of Heppner, which was pulling a small utility trailer. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene. A female passenger, Tamara Jane Stutzman (71) of Heppner, in the Jeep was transported to Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Heppner where she later succumbed to her injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriffs’ Office, Morrow County District Attorney, Heppner Fire, and MCHD Heppner ambulance.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84 – Umatilla County12/30/22

On Thursday, December 29, 2022 at approximately 11:40 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 186, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black 2002 Honda CRV, operated by John Patrick Carver (58) of Quincy (WA), was called in as a hazard. The CRV was reportedly stopped in the westbound slow lane of Interstate 84 with no lights on and had nearly been hit by another motorist. As Troopers were responding, a white 2023 International Semi-Truck, driven by Mark Allen Farish (45) of Meridian (ID), collided with the Honda CRV. The Honda CRV came to rest on the north shoulder of the interstate with severe damage, where the driver was pronounced deceased. The driver of the International Semi-Truck sustained minor injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Stanfield Police Department, Umatilla County Fire District #1, the Umatilla County Sheriffs’ Office, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Clatsop County12/29/22

On Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at approximately 6:24 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to two vehicle crash on HWY 101, near milepost 2.5, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound blue 2002 Nissan Xterra SUV, operated by Edgar Mandujano Rodriguez (29) of Beaverton, attempted to pass other northbound vehicles on the Megler bridge when it struck a southbound blue 2013 Ford C-MAX SUV, operated by Connie Jackson (64) of Astoria. The head-on collision caused severe damage to both vehicles and cause the Xterra to become engulfed in flames. Mandujano Rodriguez was found deceased at the scene. Jackson was flown to a Portland hospital in critical condition.

OSP was assisted by the Astoria Fire Department, the Astoria Police Department, the Clatsop County Sheriffs’ Office, the Washington State Patrol, and ODOT.

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OSP Salem Area Command Saturation Patrol December 30-31 (Photo)12/29/22

New Year’s celebrations are just around the corner. The Oregon State Police is imploring drivers to travel safely. Our Area Commands consider locations, days of the week, and times of day when serious injury/fatal crashes occur around the state while conducting focused Saturation Patrols. 

From January 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022, there have been over 75 motor vehicle crashes on OR-99E and OR-551, with six fatalities. Approximately half of these crashes had a known nexus to OSP’s Fatal 5 violations, with 15 being impaired driving.       

The ‘OSP’s Salem Office, alongside the Salem Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, Hubbard Police Department, and Gervais Police Department is participating in a Saturation Patrol starting December 30, 2022, at noon until December 31, 2023, 2:00 A.M. The focus coverage area will primarily be Highway 99E from Aurora to Chemawa Road NE in Salem, and Highway 551 (also known as Hubbard Cutoff Road NE) from the Clackamas County lint to the where it intersects Highway 99. 

This joint operation will focus on the enforcement of OSP’s Fatal 5– Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These categories of traffic violations have been proven to be the primary contributors to serious injury/fatal crashes.

With this and all saturation patrols, our goal is the public’s safety! 

OSP knows our presence will alert drivers to stop the dangerous driving behaviors they might be engaging in.

The Oregon State Police will have extra patrols, continuing through the new year, focusing on the Fatal 5 with a specific emphasis on impaired driving.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84- Multnomah County12/28/22

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 2:06 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 40, in Multnomah County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Dodge Ram, operated by Rick Williams (43) of Baker City, towing a U-Haul dolly trailer, was traveling eastbound on I-84, near milepost 40. Prior to a tunnel, a tree fell and struck the passenger’s side of the pickup. The passenger, Paula Chamu Sanchez (20) of Baker City, died from the impact of the tree. The driver was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for injuries. 

The freeway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriffs’ Department and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 26 – Wasco County.12/28/22

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 3:26 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on HWY 26, near milepost 64, in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that due to winter weather, which included snow and strong winds, a large tree fell onto the cab an eastbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by James Darron Lyda (53) of Prineville, causing it to lose control and leave the highway. The lone occupant and operator of the Peterbilt was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. 

The highway was closed for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Hoodland Fire, Warms Springs Fire, and ODOT.

Triple Fatal Crash – HWY 26 – Clatsop County12/28/22

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 11:39 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on HWY 26, near milepost 15.5, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a severe weather event caused a large diameter tree to fall onto an eastbound silver Ford F-150, operated by Justin Nolasco Pedraza (19) of Seaside. It was determined the tree fell directly onto the Ford F150 roof as it was passing by. The operator and passengers, Bonifacio Olvera Nolasco (41) of Seaside and a 4 year old female, all suffered fatal injuries during the collision and were discovered deceased upon the arrival of first responders.  

The investigation was hindered by the weather, fallen tree, and safety concerns.  The highway was closed for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Hamlet Fire Department, Elsie Vinemaple Fire, the County Medical Examiners’ Office, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- Interstate 84- Morrow County12/27/22

On Sunday, December 25, 2022, at approximately 6:54 AM, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 174, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Mercedes E320, operated by Ricardo Mejia Avila (27) of Boardman, was traveling westbound when it left the roadway into the median. The vehicle then rolled several times ejecting both occupants. The vehicle came to rest on the eastbound side of the freeway. The operator was deceased at the scene. The passenger, Asarias Alonso Ramos (38) of Boardman, was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston where his condition was critical. Speed and safety belt use are believed to have been factors in the crash, along with icy road conditions.

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriffs’ Office, Boardman PD, Boardman Fire, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 20- Deschutes County12/24/22

On Friday, December 23, 2022, at approximately 3:57 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20, near mile post 3, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gold Suzuki XL7 was traveling westbound on Highway 20 toward Sisters, when it lost control on icy roadway conditions. The vehicle crossed the eastbound lane of travel and struck a tree. The driver was transported to St. Charles in Bend with minor injuries. The passenger, Maria Aviles Tapia (38) of Sisters, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The highway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Officer, the Cloverdale Fire Department, Sisters Fire and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 66- Klamath County12/21/22

On Monday, December 19, 2022, at approximately 7:35 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy 66 and Clover Creek Rd, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a maroon 2006 Ford Escape, operated by Elijah Nathanial Allen (26) of White City, was stopped at the intersection of Hwy 66 and Clover Creek Road. The driver of the Ford Escape pulled out in front of silver a 2012 Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Michael Hormann (68) of Klamath Falls, that was traveling westbound on Hwy 66. A side impact collision occurred on the drivers side of the Ford Escape. The driver of the Escape was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries from the crash. The occupants of the Dodge Ram were uninjured. 

The roadway was closed for approximately 7 hours while the investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Department, the Keno Fire District, and ODOT. 

OSP traffic stop leads to discovery of suspected cocaine- Linn County (Photo)12/20/22

On December 19, 2022, at approximately 1:13 P.M., an Oregon State Police Senior Trooper stopped a passenger car for following too close on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 219. During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.  During a search of the vehicle, the Trooper located six bundles of suspected cocaine concealed in a cardboard box in the trunk of the vehicle. The OSP Trooper was assisted by K-9 Titan.

The driver was identified as Heraclio Sanchez Diaz (38) of Gerber, California.  Mr. Diaz was taken into custody and charges will be referred to the United States Attorney’s Office.

OSP Troopers were assisted during the investigation by Detectives from the OSP-Criminal Investigations Division-Drug Enforcement Section (Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative), Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration – Salem Resident Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon – Portland Office. 

The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

Fatal Crash- Interstate 84- Umatilla County12/20/22

On Monday, December 19, 2022, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 188, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white 2000 Ford F-350, operated by Chad Michael Flynn (39) of Carnation (WA), was traveling eastbound when his vehicle lost traction and collided with a guardrail causing it to rollover. The drive was determined to be deceased at the scene. A female passenger, Danielle King (45) of Carnation (WA), suffered minor injuries and was given a courtesy ride to Good Shepherd Hospital to wait for family. 

Neither occupant is believed to have been using safety belts. The collision is still under investigation.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours during the preliminary investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Stanfield Police Department, Umatilla County Fire District #1, Echo Fire, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 199- Josephine County12/20/22

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, at approximately 2:15 AM, the Oregon State Police Responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 199, near milepost 5, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Prius, operated by Karlee Ann Hawley (22) of Grants Pass, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane of Hwy 199, near milepost 5, when it struck a southbound Kia Sedona, operated by Kai He (51) of Kerby, head on. The operators of both vehicles died as a result of the collision. A passenger in the Kia, Yuhao Li (26) of Kerby, was transported to the Rogue Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. 

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriffs’ Office, Rural Metro Fire, AMR, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 18- Polk County12/20/22

On Saturday, December 17, 2022, at approximately 5:56 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to single vehicle crash on Hwy 18, near milepost 15, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2016 gray Toyota Avalon, operated by Brandy D. Terry (51) of Lincoln City, was traveling westbound on Hwy 18, near MP15, when it failed to negotiate a curve, left the highway for unknown reasons, and collided with a tree. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness reported the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it went left the highway. Speed is being considered as a contributing factor to the collision. 

OSP was assisted by Grand Ronde Fire, the Polk County DA, the Polk County Medical Examiner, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 234- Jackson County12/20/22

On Friday, December 16, 2022, at approximately 4:00 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on HWY 234, near milepost 11, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Nissan Frontier, operated by James Robertson (81) of Central Point, was traveling westbound on Hwy 234, near Table Rock Rd. For unknown reasons the vehicle drifted onto the shoulder and struck a driveway embankment. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. 

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriffs’ Office and ODOT.

Central Point SAT Patrol

Central Point SAT Patrol

OSP Central Point participating in a Saturation Patrol with Medford PD and Jackson County SO-Jackson County (Photo)12/20/22

Holiday Travel is upon us & the Oregon State Police is encouraging safe travel this holiday season. Our Area Commands consider locations, days of the week, and times of day when serious injury/fatal crashes occur around the state while conducting focused Saturation Patrols. 

The Oregon State Police’s Central Point Office, alongside the Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, is participating in a Saturation Patrol on December 23, 2023, between the hours of 12:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. The coverage area, will be primarily Highway 62 from the Big X intersection (Hwy 62, Hwy 238, Hwy 99), within the city limits of Medford to White City, including the Rogue Valley Expressway and Highway 62B (Crater Lake Highway).        

This joint operation will focus on the enforcement of OSP’s Fatal 5- Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These categories of traffic violations have been proven to be the primary contributors to serious injury/fatal crashes.

With this and all saturation patrols, our goal is the public’s safety! 

OSP knows our presence will alert drivers to stop the dangerous driving behaviors they might be engaging in.

The Oregon State Police will have extra patrols, continuing through the new year, focusing on the Fatal 5 with a specific emphasis on impaired driving.

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Update- OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful killing of three young Blacktail Deer bucks – Coos County (Photo)12/19/22

After a lengthy investigation into this case, Troopers were able to develop a suspect. 

On December 5, 2022, OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers interviewed and ultimately charged Macen M. West (21) of North Bend, Oregon with the following crimes:

Take Game Mammal Closed Season (x3) 
Waste of a Game Mammal (x3)
Hunting with the aid of Artificial Light

The rifle that is believed to have been used in the crimes was also seized during the investigation.

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On March 23, 2021, three young Blacktail bucks were found by a citizen alongside a sand road on the North Spit of Coos Bay.  All three deer were shot in the head from a relatively close range and were likely taken using artificial light at night.  These deer were shot and left to waste.  OSP Troopers estimate that the deer were killed sometime between March 19 – March 21, 2021.  It is currently closed season for Blacktail Deer.

The Oregon State Police is requesting that any person with information about this incident contact the TIP line and leave information for Trooper John Cooper.  Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the Oregon State Police through the Turn in Poachers line at; TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (677).

** 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 

Fatal Crash- HWY 99- Josephine County12/17/22

On Friday, December 16, 2022, at approximately 6:33 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on HWY 99, near the 1900 block or mile post 1.75, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated two pedestrians, Deverne Jacobsen (91) and Gwen Jacobsen (85) of Grants Pass were crossing Hwy 99 to attend a Christmas Party when they were stuck by a Toyota Tacoma traveling northbound on Hwy 99. Both pedestrians died as a result of injuries from the collision. The driver of the truck did not stop and fled the scene. The vehicle operator, Skylar Fucci (25) of Grants Pass, was contacted at approximately 9:15 P.M. and cooperated with the investigators.  

Fucci was arrested lodged in the Josephine County Jail for two counts of Felony Hit and Run.  The investigation is on-going and additional charges may be applied at a later time.

OSP was assisted by the Grants Pass Police Department and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 99E- Marion County12/16/22

On Monday, December 12, 2022, at approximately 10:13 PM, the Oregon State Police Responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 99E, near mile post 34, in Marion County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray 2011 Lexus, operated by Moises Llamas Fernandez (27), of Salem, was traveling southbound on Hwy 99E when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and collided with a tree. The operator, Fernandez, and passenger, Pedro R Leon-Cueto (25), of Gervais, suffered fatal injuries during the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Speed and alcohol appear to be a contributing factor in the cause of the crash. 

OSP was assisted by the Woodburn Fire Department, Woodburn Police Department, and ODOT.

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OSP is seeking the public’s assistance on the 2nd anniversary of the fatal shooting of Kurt Krauss- Josephine County (Photo)12/14/22

Today marks the second anniversary of the tragic death of Kurt Krauss. On the morning of December 14, 2020, Kurt Krauss was found deceased outside his place of business on Corporate Way in Merlin, Oregon. 

Investigators continue to work diligently to follow up on every tip received and investigate all possible scenarios.  Additionally, advancements in forensic analysis have opened up additional investigative avenues.

The Oregon State Police believes there are people who have information regarding the circumstances of Kurt’s death. Regardless of how insignificant you think your information might be or if OSP might already be aware of it, we want to hear from you. 

The Oregon State Police along with Mr. Krauss’s family is urging anyone with information about this incident to call the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 800-442-2068 or *OSP from a mobile device and reference OSP Case #SP20-347133.

Think back to December 2020. 

Did you notice anyone who had unexplained injuries? 

Do you know someone who suddenly departed from the area after the offense? 

Do you know someone who showed intense interest in or avoidance of this case? 

If so, we urge you to contact the Oregon State Police and help bring some closure to the Krauss family.  

Link to original release https://flashalert.net/id/OSPOre/140865 

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OSP is seeking public assistance with an attempt to locate 2 suspects in a murder case- in Jefferson County (Photo)12/13/22

On October 31, 2022, at approximately 7:45 P.M., a shooting occurred in the Strawberry Heights neighborhood of Madras, Oregon. A male, Edgar Miguel Torres-Aguilera (24) was shot multiple times. Torres-Aguilera was life-flighted to St. Charles in Bend where he later was pronounced deceased.

Investigators with the Tri-County Major Incident Team have developed information on two individuals in the case and are seeking the public’s assistance with information about their location:

  • Chance Corey Lee Stwyer is a 22-year-old, male described as 220 lbs. and 5’9” tall. Stwyer is believed to be in the Warm Springs/Madras area but has ties to the Burns, Oregon community.
  • Andre Sterling James Spino is a 18-year-old male described as 120 lbs. and 5’5” tall. Spino is believed to be in the Warms Springs/Madras area. There is an active warrant for his arrest and should be considered ARMED and DANGEROUS.

Members of the public who have information on the location of either subject or information on the case should contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Reference case number SP22-293699.

Fatal Crash – HWY 39- Klamath County12/12/22

On Saturday, December 10th, 2022, at approximately 6:28 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle vs pedestrian collision at the intersection of Hwy 39 and Fargo St, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white GMC Sierra, operated by Christina Mueller (22), of Klamath Falls, was traveling eastbound in the fast lane when it struck a pedestrian, Jerri Vaughn (53), of Klamath Falls. Vaughn was wearing a green jacket and jeans, was not in a crosswalk and was struck in the eastbound fast Lane. The visibility on the roadway was poor due to it raining and being dark at the time of the collision. Vaughn was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. 

Highway 39 was open during the investigation with the westbound lanes being reduced to two-way traffic while the eastbound lanes were shut down for approximately 3 hours. 

OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriffs’ Office, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 101- Coos County12/12/22

On Thursday, December 8th, 2022, at approximately 12:48 PM, the Oregon State Police Responded to two vehicle collision on HWY 101, near mile post 259.5 (Bullards Bridge).

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Dodge Caravan, operated by Michael John Bevington (46) of Coos Bay, was traveling southbound on HWY 101, near mile post 259.5, mid-span on the Bullards Bridge over the Coquille River, when the driver crossed the double yellow centerline and entered into the northbound lane.  The Caravan crossed into the northbound lane and collided into a northbound blue Ford F-250 Superduty pickup, operated by Waylon James Somers (39) of Gold Beach.  The Caravan rotated and came to an uncontrolled rest blocking the northbound lane and a portion of the the southbound lane.   The Ford pickup came to an uncontrolled rest against the northbound curb. Michael John Bevington received fatal injuries as a result of the collision.  Waylon James Somers and Jordan Paul Green (29), of Gold Beach, occupants of the Ford pickup, were transported by Bay Cities Ambulance to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision.

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriffs’ Department, the Bandon Police Department, the Myrtle Point Police Department, the Coos Bay Police Department, the Bandon Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance, the Coos County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Coos County District Attorney’s Office, and ODOT.

Update: Human remains located near Interstate 5-Marion County12/08/22

Update:

There is an active forensic investigation underway and efforts are being made to identify this person. Ancestry has not been determined, nor has the length of time that elapsed prior to the discovery.  Analysis and examination is ongoing, including possible genetic testing. 

Human remains will never be released to a museum or historical society.  Once the investigation is concluded, and  based on those conclusions, this individual’s remains will be respectfully returned to the appropriate party (ies). 


On Monday, November 21, 2022 at approximately 9:18 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers  responded to a suspicious object found by Oregon Department of Corrections cleanup crew on northbound Interstate 5 near milepost 260.

OSP Troopers with the Salem Area Command took possession of a small backpack that contained a human skull. 

The skull was transported to the  Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office who will continue to investigate the identity of the skull. The skull had no identifiable features, but was most likely that of a female in her late 30’s to 40’s. 

No further information is available at this time. 

Original Article: Source