On Saturday, September 2, 2023, at approximately 3:10 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-230, near milepost 6, in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Corolla, operated by Thomas B. Austen (70) of Auckland (New Zealand), crossed into the opposing lane of travel and struck a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Richard L. Silverman (66) of Portland, head-on.
The operator of the Harley Davidson (Silverman) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Toyota (Thomas Austen) and passenger, Victoria M. Austen (68) of Auckland (New Zealand), both suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The highway was impacted for approximately 7 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is being investigated.
OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Prospect Fire & Rescue, Mercy Flights, and ODOT.
On Thursday, August 31, 2023, at approximately 5:18 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 340, in Curry County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Subaru Outback, operated by Skyanna Marie Goodland (42) of Tillamook, was northbound on US-101 near mile post 340 when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a southbound Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Heather Anne Serna (50) of Brookings, before striking a southbound Hyundai Veloster, operated by Brandon Michael Cunliffe Owen (34) of Brookings, head-on.
The operator of the Hyundai (Cunliffe Owen) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Subaru (Goodland) was extricated and transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
The operator of the Chrysler (Serna) was transported to the hospital by private party for minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation at this time.
OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Gold Beach Police Department, Gold Beach Fire and Rescue, Pistol River Fire, and ODOT.
Recent Photo
Oregon State Police attempting to located dangerous escapee- Public assistance requested (Photo) – 09/01/23
UPDATE: Christopher Pray is in police custody- Portland, Oregon
On Friday, September 1, 2023 at 8:17 A.M., Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau were dispatched to a report of a potentially deceased person, in a pond, at North Force Avenue and North Victory Boulevard, in Portland. When rescue crews arrived they began communicating with the patient and PF&R command notified PPB dispatch that police were not needed and canceled PPB response.
The patient was stuck in the mud, approximately 75 feet from firm ground, and was buried up to their armpits. The rescue required a rope and ladder in order to remove the patient. The rescue took approximately 1 hour to complete.
After rescue, the patient was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for an evaluation. The patient provided a fake name, however an observant hospital employee noticed he resembled Christopher Pray. Hospital staff notified the Portland Police Bureau, who responded and confirmed his identity. Pray was arrested and is in PPB custody.
We want to thank the vigilant medical personnel who recognized Pray and alerted the authorities.
OSP is currently investigating the details surrounding his escape and plan to provide an additional press release next Tuesday, September 5.
Oregon State Police – Salem, Oregon – Escaped Adult in Custody
On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at approximately 10:45 P.M., the Oregon State Police were notified of an escaped adult in custody and patient of the Oregon State Hospital, located in Salem.
Christopher Lee Pray was an adult in custody at the Multnomah County jail for multiple serious charges, to include Attempted Aggravated Murder, when he was transferred to the Oregon State Hospital on August 30. At approximately 10:45 P.M., Pray escaped from custody when he stole a white 2016 Dodge Caravan, bearing Oregon license plate E265614, and eluded law enforcement southbound on Interstate 5. Law enforcement terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns and Pray was not apprehended.
Prays whereabouts are unknown at this time. He was last seen heading southbound on Interstate 5, however he has ties to the greater Portland metro area. At the time of his escape, he was fully restrained with leg shackles, a belly chain, handcuffs, and a restraint connecting all three together. He was wearing a white t-shirt, maroon sweatpants, and black rubber slippers.
Pray is considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached. Law enforcement is urging the public to dial 911 and report any sightings of Pray or the vehicle he was operating.
Christopher Lee Pray- Poses an extreme danger to the public
- 39 years old
- 6 ft. tall, 170 pounds
- Brown hair and brown eyes
- White male
- Trimmed facial hair- may be different from photo
- Stitches on his upper lip
- Tattoos- Right arm- “PRAY”; right forearm – “S”; neck- possibly “supreme”
- Full restraints- leg shackles, belly chain, and handcuffs
- White t-shirt, maroon sweatpants, and black rubber slippers.
2016 white Dodge Caravan- (photo not actual vehicle)
- Oregon license plate- E265614 (yellow plate)
- No identifying marks
On Monday, August 28, 2023, at approximately 4:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-30, near milepost 59, in Columbia County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a gold Toyota Avalon, operated by Alexander Jovani Diaz Hernandez (22) of Longview (WA), was traveling westbound on Hwy-30 when, for unknown reasons, the Avalon crossed into the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with a blue Subaru Impreza, operated by David Reeves (21) of Clatskanie.
The operator of the Subaru (Reeves) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Toyota (Diaz Hernandez) sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The highway was impacted for 6 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation into the cause of the crash is on-going.
OSP was assisted by the Clatskanie Fire Department, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.
On Saturday, August 26, 2023, at approximately 3:17 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-38, at the intersection with Dean Creek Rd, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Honda CRV, operated by Nancy Jean Funk (79) of Reedsport, was stopped on Dean Creek Road, preparing to turn westbound onto Hwy-38. The Honda CRV began to turn onto Hwy-38 and pulled out in front of an eastbound Honda VTX1300, operated by Lynn Eugene Kropf (70) of Shedd. The Honda motorcycle attempted to stop and fell to its side. The passenger of the motorcycle, Marilyn Rae Kropf (67) of Shedd, came off of the motorcycle and impacted the rear of the Honda CRV.
The operator of the Honda CRV (Funk), passenger – Rachelle Dora Lopez (44) of Reedsport – and a juvenile passenger were not injured during the collision. The operator remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.
The operator of the Honda motorcycle (Lynn Eugene Kropf) suffered minor injuries and declined medical transport.
The passenger of the motorcycle (Marilyn Rae Kropf) was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is on-going.
OSP was assisted by the Reedsport Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, and ODOT.
On Thursday, August 24, 2023, at approximately 1:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 132, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a tan Chevrolet Blazer was traveling southbound when it left the roadway for unknown reasons, rolled multiple times, and came to a rest on the roof.
The operator of the vehicle, Megan Becca Wigington (32) of Salem, was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 1 hour during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by Depoe Bay Fire, PacWest Ambulance, and ODOT.
Oregon State Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Josephine County
Grants Pass, Ore. – On August 24, 2023, at 8:52 AM, Grants Pass Police Officers responded to the scene of a shooting near the M Street Market in the 1000 block of SE M Street. Officers located a victim, Robert Mills (63) of Grants Pass, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Officers quickly located the suspect, Dennis McGuire (69) of Grants Pass, who was armed with a firearm. The incident quickly escalated and culminated in an officer-involved shooting.
Both the Mills and McGuire were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds and were last reported in serious but stable condition.
None of the responding officers were injured, and there is no further danger to the community from this incident. Names of involved officers are not being released at this time.
The Josephine County Major Crime Team was activated and the Oregon State Police are leading the investigation into the initial shooting as well as the officer-involved shooting. The completed investigation will be referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at approximately 12:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 237, in Malheur County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Mercedes SUV, operated by Christina Cheryl Shane-Contarino (75) of Yreka (CA), was negotiating a curve when it crossed over the center line into the on-coming lane of travel. A westbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by Hijinio A Hernandez (34) of Ontario, attempted to avoid a collision with the Mercedes but was unable to do so. The vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lane, sending the Peterbilt into a nearby cornfield and the Mercedes onto the shoulder of the roadway.
The operator of the Mercedes (Shane-Contarino) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Peterbilt was reportedly uninjured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is being investigated.
OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Vale Fire and Ambulance, and ODOT.
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at approximately 8:51 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 19, in Linn County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Hyundai Elantra, operated by Joel William Applebaum (30) of Sweet Home, was traveling eastbound when it left its lane of travel and entered the westbound lane. The Hyundai struck a westbound yellow Mitsubishi Lancer, operated by Joy Lavonne Backus (70) of Sweet Home, head-on.
Both vehicle operators, Applebaum and Backus, were declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Lebanon Fire, Sweet Home Fire, and ODOT.
The Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance regarding a criminal investigation- Washington County
The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section in Portland is investigating Sergeant Levi Gray, with the Oregon Department of Corrections, who was recently indicted by a grand jury and arrested by the Oregon State Police for Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree and Official Misconduct in the First Degree.
If you were a witness, victim or have any information related to this investigation- please contact the lead investigator, Detective Joshua McNeely, by calling the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 503-731-3030 and reference OSP case number SP23-149722.
OSP does not have further information to release at this time.
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, at approximately 9:27 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy-22E, near milepost 51, in Marion County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 1995 Dolphin motorhome, operated by Douglas Scott Mulvahill (52) of Scio, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 22E when it struck a pedestrian, Jimmy Ray Graham (64) of Detroit, in the eastbound lane of travel. It is unknown why the pedestrian was in the roadway.
The pedestrian (Graham) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the motorhome (Mulvahill) remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. None of the motorhome occupants were injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is being investigated.
OSP was assisted by Santiam Fire and Rescue and ODOT.
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, at approximately 1:50 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy-244, near milepost 45, in Union County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Freightliner propane tanker truck, operated by James Dwayne Thomas (52) of Union, was eastbound when it left the roadway, overcorrected back onto the roadway, and rolled onto its side. The crash caused the vehicle to catch fire and by the time first responders arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
The scene was unsafe due to the propane fire and first responders were forced to secure the scene from a safe distance (½ mile) until fire fighters were able to extinguish the flames.
The single occupant of the vehicle, James Thomas, was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was closed for 5.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s office, ODOT, La Grande Fired, Oregon Department of Forestry Fire, and La Grande Rural Fire.
On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at approximately 5:10 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 275, in Union County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Volvo (CMV) and trailer, operated by Ilker Ozgur (30) of Woodside (NY), lost control, flipped onto the passenger side and came to a rest with the trailer blocking the fast lane- top towards the west. A westbound Volkswagen Beetle, operated by Robert Eugene Floyd (60) of North Powder, struck the crashed trailer and ejected the operator (Floyd) from the vehicle. A westbound Freightliner (CMV) and trailer, operated by Jeffrey Miles Floyd (61) of Goose Creek (SC), also struck the crashed trailer, causing it to enter the median.
A third commercial motor vehicle, a Peterbilt and trailer, operated by Jerry Kent Gray (61) of North Power, struck debris in the roadway as it passed the crash site and became inoperable due to the damage.
The operator of the Volvo (Ozgur) was assessed for injury at the scene and declined medical transport.
The operator of the Volkswagen (Robert Floyd) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Freightliner (Jeffery Floyd) was injured and transported to a local hospital.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Gray) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 9 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation into the initial Volvo crash is under investigation. The secondary crashes, which involved the Volvo trailer, are also being investigated.
OSP was assisted by La Grande PD, La Grande Fire, and ODOT.
On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at approximately 2:00 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate-84, near milepost 323, in Baker County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Toyota HiAce, operated by Martin Christopher Liccardo (46) of Salt Lake City (UT), was traveling eastbound on Interstate-84 when it began to swerve within both eastbound lanes of travel. The vehicle left the roadway onto the soft shoulder and began to roll multiple times before coming to a rest on its roof.
The operator (Liccardo) was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by ODOT.
On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at approximately 12:38 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 52, in Washington County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Ford F-250, operated by Frederick Henry Kortlever (90) of Astoria, was eastbound when it left its lane of travel and crashed head-on with a silver GMC Savannah, operated by Erez Yair Mayer (50) of Portland, which was traveling westbound. A westbound black Honda civic, operated by John Larson (23) of Troutdale, struck the rear of the Ford F-250 after it came to a rest in the westbound lane.
The operator of the Ford F-250 (Kortlever) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the GMC Savannah (Erez Mayer) was declared deceased at the scene. The passengers of the GMC, a 16 year old female and a 15 year old male, were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Honda Civic (Larson) and passenger, Alexander Baumgardt (21), were reportedly uninjured during the crash.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, at approximately 7:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Hwy-164, near milepost 5, in Marion County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a bicyclist, Harley Auten (42) of Jefferson, was riding in the bike lane southbound on Hwy-164, through the intersection of Talbot Rd SE. A Dodge RAM 3500, operated by Brian Hammons (55) of Jefferson, turned from eastbound Talbot Rd onto southbound Hwy-164 and collided with the bicyclist.
The bicyclist (Auten) was transported to Salem Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
The operator of the Dodge (Hammons) left the scene after medical personnel arrived, but prior to LE arrival. Hammons turned himself into investigators on Sunday, August 13, and was lodged in the Marion County Jail for Hit and Run and Criminally Negligent Homicide.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is on-going and no further information is available for release at this time.
Any witnesses of the incident are being asked to contact the Oregon State Police, referencing case SP23-252845.
OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Fire District, and ODOT.
Oregon State Police- Focused Patrol – Clatsop County
The Oregon State Police will be enhancing our patrol efforts in Clatsop County over the weekend of Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13. The Seaside Volleyball Tournament, Astoria Regatta Celebration, and ongoing Buoy 10 Salmon Fishery will draw a significant number of motorists to the area and the increased traffic volume comes with an increased risk of traffic collisions. The Oregon State Police will be seeking the public’s assistance in ensuring safe highways for those who are traveling to and from these events, as well as those traveling through the area on other adventures.
OSP’s presence will be focused reducing violations of the Fatal Five categories- Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving (SOLID). These violations are statistically proven to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes. We encourage motorists to plan ahead in order to avoid the need to rely on excessive speed, use their mobile devices, or operate their vehicles while impaired in order to get to and from their destinations.
Any media inquiries related to the focused patrol efforts this weekend can be submitted the OSPPIO@osp.oregon.gov
CORRECTION: Trampuz is the correct spelling for the Hyundai operator.
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On Saturday, August 5, 2023, at approximately 7:42 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Hwy-173, near milepost 1, in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a bicycle, operated by Mark Sorrenson Hendrickson (48) of Government Camp, was attempting to travel south from Timberline Lodge on SR-173. A white Hyundai Tucson, operated by Emilio Trampus (71) of Salem, was traveling north on SR-173 and failed to yield the right of way when he turned left at West Leg Rd, across the bicyclist’s lane. The bicyclist collided with the vehicle, was ejected from his bicycle, and became unresponsive in the roadway.
The bicyclist (Hendrickson) was declared deceased at the scene.
The Hyundai operator (Trampus) was not injured.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. The crash is being investigated by the Crash Reconstruction Unit.
OSP was assisted by Hoodland Fire and the Ski Bowl Patrol EMT.
On Sunday, August 6, 2023, at approximately 3:31 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy-11, near milepost 33.5, in Umatilla County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Carlos Antonio Perez (27) of Kennewick (WA), was struck by a vehicle under unknown circumstances. The vehicle operator did not remain on scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP is actively investigating this incident and currently does not have further information to release.
OSP was assisted by Milton-Freewater PD, Milton-Freewater Rural Fire, and ODOT.
On Friday, August 4, 2023, at approximately 9:26 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 20, in Linn County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Seth Allen Ikaika Taylor (22) of Sweet Home, was eastbound when a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Joshua G. Staley (35) of Sweet Home, attempted to make a left turn across Hwy-20, near Ingram St (MP 20). The Yamaha struck the side of the Dodge as it turned across the highway.
The operator of the Yamaha (Taylor) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Dodge (Staley) remained on scene and was cooperative with investigation.
The highway was impacted for over 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. Witness statements at the scene indicated the motorcycle was traveling at a very high speeds just prior to the crash.
OSP was assisted by Lebanon Fire, Linn County SO, and ODOT.
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