Correction: This crash occurred on January 30.
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On Monday, January 30, 2023, at approximately 4:33 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 86, near milepost 57, in Baker County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2015 Ford Edge, operated by Amber Hampton (30) of Halfway, failed to negotiate a curve and crashed into a rock feature. The operator, who was the solo occupant, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. The highway was closed and the operator was transported to a hospital via Lifeflight. The operator was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The Highway was closed for approximately five hours during the course of the investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriffs’ Office, Halfway Rural Ambulance, and ODOT.
On Monday, January 30, 2023, at approximately 4:25 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 18, near milepost 52, in Yamhill County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a gray 2003 Dodge Durango, operated by Eric Hall (52) of Newberg, was traveling westbound on HWY 18 when, for unknown reasons, the Durango crossed into the oncoming lane, hitting an eastbound Freightliner tractor-trailer, operated by David Ambriz Jacuinde (34) of Woodburn, head-on. Hall suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Jacuinde was uninjured during the collision.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriffs’ Office, McMinnville Fire, and ODOT.
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OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest and Drug Seizure — Klamath County (Photo) – 01/30/23
On January 18, 2023, around 11:26 a.m., an Oregon State Police Senior Trooper stopped an SUV for a lane usage violation on Highway 97, milepost 276, near Klamath Falls.
During the traffic stop, the Sr. Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, the Sr. Trooper located approximately 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, 3 pounds of suspected heroin, and 1.4 pounds of suspected counterfeit pills containing fentanyl- all concealed within the vehicle.
The driver was identified as Sergio Luis Salazar-Mercado (30) of Wapato, Washington. Salazar-Mercado was taken into custody and lodged in the Klamath County Jail.
OSP Troopers were assisted during the investigation by Detectives from the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) and Detectives from the OSP-Criminal Investigations Division-Drug Enforcement Section (Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative).
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.
Salem Police Department Use of Deadly Force Incident
Salem, Ore. — At approximately 9:00 a.m., on January 23, 2023, Salem Police Department officers were involved in a deadly use of force incident resulting in the death of a suspect.
Officers responded to the Walmart parking lot, located at 5250 Commercial Street SE. Initial dispatch information indicated that there was an armed robbery and carjacking in progress at that location. Additional information was then relayed that the suspect was now north of Walmart at the Planet Fitness parking lot and that he attempted to steal another vehicle at that location. As officers responded, the suspect then fled Planet Fitness on foot and ran across Commercial Street to Napa Auto Parts.
Responding officers pursued the suspect, who matched the description from the calls, to the parking lot of the Napa Auto Parts Store, located at 5105 Commercial Street SE. A confrontation ensued and the suspect fired at least once at officers. At least one patrol vehicle was hit in the windshield. Officers also fired and the suspect was struck and died at the scene.
A black handgun was later located under the suspect and a loaded magazine was located inside his pocket.
No bystanders, citizens, or officers were injured in the incident. The Salem Police Officers involved in the incident were:
- Senior Officer Justin Carney, 22 years of service;
- Corporal Kristy Fitzpatrick, 14 years of service;
- Officer Reece Mathis, 1 year of service;
- Corporal Adam Waite, 15 years of service;
- Senior Robert Acosta, 17 years of service.
The suspect has been identified as Michael James Compton, 27 years old. Next of kin have been notified. A Family Services Coordinator from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has been made available to the decedent’s family to answer their questions and communicate appropriate information from the investigation.
Compton was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest out of Clackamas and Lane counties.
Pursuant to Marion County SB 111 protocols, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office appointed the Oregon State Police to investigate this incident. Investigators from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Keizer Police Department assisted with the investigation. The involved Salem Police Officers have been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard in these situations. Like every incident of officer use of deadly force in Marion County, the circumstances of this investigation will ultimately be presented to a Marion County Grand Jury to determine whether the officers’ use of deadly force was lawful.
This incident remains an active investigation. The scene is still being processed and additional investigation is occurring. Therefore, no additional information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective analysis of the incident.
On Saturday, January 21, 2023, at approximately 2:10 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 47, near milepost 87, in Washington County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Avenger, operated by Glennard Devon Purvee (28) of Banks, was involved in a minor rear-end style collision just north of Banks. The vehicle fled the scene and traveled southbound on Hwy 47 through the city of Banks. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it drove off the shoulder of the roadway and collided with a tree on westbound side of the roadway, near milepost 87. The operator of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 3 hours while the on-scene investigation was being conducted.
OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriffs’ Office, Banks Fire, Forest Grove Fire, and ODOT.
On Thursday, January 19, 2023, at approximately 4:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on the Hwy 18 Bypass near milepost 57, west of Dundee Landing Rd, in Yamhill County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a black 2020 Toyota Rav4, operated by John William McKevitt (71) of Lincoln City, was traveling westbound on the Hwy 18 Bypass, when for unknown reasons the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a red Subaru Outback, operated by Kimberly Yost Champawat (60) of Gresham. McKevitt suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Champawat suffered critical injuries and was transported to the hospital by air ambulance.
The Hwy 18 Newburg-Dundee Bypass, Hwy 219 to Hwy 99W, was closed for approximately four hours for the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Newberg Dundee PD, Yamhill Co. S.O., TVF&R, and ODOT.
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OSP traffic stop leads to arrest and drug seizure- Deschutes County (Photo) – 01/20/23
On January 19, 2023, at approximately 5:00 P.M., an Oregon State Police Senior Trooper stopped an SUV for a lane use violation on northbound US 97 near milepost 132, just north of Bend.
During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a consent search of the vehicle was conducted. During a search of the vehicle, the Trooper located approximately 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and approximately five pounds of suspected powder fentanyl concealed within the vehicle. The K-9 assisted in the investigation by alerting the Trooper to the odor of controlled substances in the location where the drugs were hidden.
The driver was identified as Dania Marbella Banegas-Ramos (28) of Oakland, California. Banegas-Ramos was taken into custody and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail for various drug offenses.
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 – Bend Task Force, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s 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.
On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 5:56 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 224, near milepost 17, in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Volkswagen Golf, operated by Miguel B. Adams (22) of Vancouver (WA), was eastbound on Hwy 224 when it entered the westbound lane of travel and struck a Toyota Tacoma, operated by Matthew D. Stenhouse (26), head-on. The Volkswagen spun as a result of the collision and was struck in the passenger side door by a Kia K5, operated by Ryan Michael Payne (22) of Portland, which was also eastbound on Hwy 224.
The operator of the Volkswagen, Miguel B. Adams, was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Toyota was life flighted to a local hospital for medical treatment. The operator of the Kia declined medical evaluation at the scene.
The cause of the crash is undetermined at this time. The crash scene investigation impacted the roadway for approximately 4 hours.
OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriffs’ Office, Clackamas Fire, and ODOT.
On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 9:40 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 214, at the intersection with Downs Rd NE, in Marion County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda Civic, operated by Diceon M Macias (19) of Salem, was eastbound on Downs Rd NE and attempted to cross Hwy 214. The Honda Civic entered the roadway and struck the side of a Ford Taurus, operated by Mitchell Daniel Kuenzi (23) of Silverton, which was traveling southbound on Hwy 214. The collision caused the Taurus to enter the northbound lane of Hwy 214, where it was struck in the driver’s side door by a Jeep Gladiator, operated by James A Nosen (68) of Woodburn.
Mitchell Daniel Kuenzi, the operator of the Taurus, was declared deceased at the scene. The other parties involved received medical evaluation and/or treatment due to the crash.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while to crash scene investigation was conducted.
OSP was assisted by Mt. Angel Fire, Silverton Fire, Silverton PD, Marion County SO, and ODOT.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at approximately 8:27 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Highway 42, at the intersection of Grant Smith Road, near milepost 76.5, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Ram 3500 truck, operated by Robert Howerton (76) of Winston, was traveling west on Highway 42 in the fast lane when it struck a bicyclist, Michael Allen Davis (34) of Roseburg, as the bicycle was traveling south across the Highway 42/Grant Smith Road intersection. The bicyclist was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The driver of the Dodge 3500 immediately stopped and fully cooperated with the investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Winston Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriffs’ Office, Douglas County Fire, ODOT, and Douglas County Medical Examiner’s office.
On Sunday, January 8, 2023, at approximately 4:37 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash in the median of Interstate 84, near milepost 199, in Umatilla County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Ford Ranger rolled over in the median of Interstate 84, near milepost 199. A westbound motorist stopped to render assistance to the occupants involved in the rollover crash and was walking in the median towards the rolled vehicle. A 2016 Ford Explorer, operated by Lloyd Lawrence Barkley (66) of Pendleton, was traveling westbound when the vehicle began to hydroplane on the wet road surface. The driver lost control of the Explorer and slid into the median where it struck and killed the pedestrian, Kenneth Dale Strong (65) of Richland (WA), who was walking towards the original rolled vehicle. The pedestrian, Strong, was declared deceased at the scene.
OSP was assisted by the Pendleton Fire Department and ODOT.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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- 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.
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