On Monday, March 20, 2023, at approximately 7:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 151, in Deschutes County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2005 Toyota 4Runner, operated by Leland Daniel Angier (31) of Bend, was traveling northbound on Hwy 97, near MP 151, when it lost control on icy road conditions, slid off the roadway and rolled several times before coming to a stop. The single occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation of the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriffs’ Office, Sunriver PD, Sunriver Fire, and ODOT.
On Saturday, March 18, 2023, at approximately 3:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 210, in Linn County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2022 Freightliner (CMV) and trailer, operated by Branden Hamilton (50) of Buffalo (NY), went off the roadway and impacted the guardrail and bridge cement barrier on Interstate-5 southbound, near milepost 210. Hamilton was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is unknown, however investigators believe the operator may have suffered a medical event prior to the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Halsey/Shedd Fire Department and ODOT.
On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at approximately 3:28 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 152, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Subaru Impreza WRX, operated by Ashlee Christine Hayden (32) of Tidewater, was southbound when, for an unknown reason, it crossed into the northbound lane and struck a white Chevy box truck, operated by Victor Loreza (40) of Salem, head on.
The operator of the Subaru was declared deceased at the scene.
The Chevy box truck operator and two passengers, Jose Soto Hernandez (38) of Salem and Jesus Vargas Gerardo (40) of Salem, were all transported to hospitals with serious injuries.
The highway was closed for approximately 5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.
OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Central Coast Fire Department, Seal Rock Fire Department, ODOT and Life Flight.
On Sunday, March 12, 2023, at approximately 1:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy 203, at the Interstate 84 overpass.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2007 Ford F-350 pickup, operated by Robert Lee Drinkard (77) of Moro, exited I-84 (eastbound exit 298) when the operator entered the intersection at the top of the off-ramp. The pickup drove into the path of a 2020 Harley Davidson, operated by Ryan James Brecko (27) of Baker City, who was eastbound on the Hwy 203 overpass (crossing I-84). The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered critical injuries during the collision.
An Oregon State Trooper was traveling in front of the motorcycle and immediately responded to the scene. The Trooper activated emergency medical services and provided emergency medical care to the injured rider. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
The operator of the pickup remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. The investigation is on-going and will be submitted to the District Attorney at the conclusion.
The highway traffic was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by ODOT, the Baker County Sheriffs’ Office and Metro West Ambulance.
Correction: Crash Time- 1:30 P.M.
**********************************************************************************************
On Thursday, March 9, 2023, at approximately 3:30 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 42, near milepost 68, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan pickup, operated by Ronald Butler (67) of Winston, lost control and crossed into the westbound lane. The Nissan crashed into a westbound Peterbilt semi-truck and trailer, operated by Scott Hayes (59) of Monroe. Butler was pronounced deceased by EMS. Hayes was not injured.
The highway was closed for approximately 1 hour while the on-scene crash investigation was conducted.
OSP was assisted by Tenmile Fire, Winston Dillard Fire, and ODOT.
Update:
On Friday, March 3, 2023, Troopers from the Oregon State Police, Bend office, arrested Audrey Cooper McHugh (29) from her residence in Bend, in connection to her involvement in a triple fatal motor vehicle collision on US-97 near MP 114. The three deceased victims were Tribal Members of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, with two of the victims being juveniles. The warrant, signed by Judge Hillman of Jefferson County, included the following charges: three counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class A Felony), three counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class B Felony), and DUII (Class A Misdemeanor). McHugh was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail with a bail set at $1 Million. Her first court date will be her initial arraignment on Monday March 6th.
***********************************************************************************************
On Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at approximately 7:40 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 26 near milepost 114.
Preliminary investigation revealed a gray Toyota Tacoma, operated by Audry Cooper McHugh (29) of Bend, was passing several vehicles in the fog when it collided head-on with a westbound gold Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Saralee Spino-McCormaack (29) of Warm Springs.
Spino-McCormack and the right rear passenger, a 13-year old male, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased. A 14-year old female passenger was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. McHugh was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Hwy 26 was closed for approximately 2 hours while the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the scene.
OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Fire and EMS, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT.
On Saturday, March 4, 2023, at approximately 5:00 P.M., the Oregon State police responded to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area to assist with the rescue of a male who was swept out into the ocean after falling from a rocky bluff. The victim, Henry Minh Hoang (25) of West Covina (CA), was hiking beyond a safety fence in an area known to locals as “the punch bowl” (not to be confused with Devil’s Punch Bowl State Park) when he slipped and fell approximately 20 feet to the waters edge. The victim was reportedly knocked unconscious from the fall and was swept into the ocean by the waves. Witnesses lost sight of the victim and the rescue operation later transition into a likely recovery operation.
The recovery effort was suspended until Sunday morning, March 5, when searchers could safely resume their efforts.
At approximately 4:30 P.M., on March 5, the victim was located deceased on the shoreline, at the bottom of a nearby cliff. The decedent’s body was recovered and transported to a local funeral home.
OSP was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriffs Office, Nestucca Fire and the United States Coast Guard.
Correction: This crash occurred in Multnomah County.
*********************************************************************************************
On Saturday, March 4, 2023, at approximately 7:15 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 23, in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a red Mercury Cougar, operated by Gorgonio Reyes Barrera (31) of Hermiston, was westbound on the interstate when it left the lane of travel at high rate of speed. The Mercury went through a guard rail and down a 150-foot embankment where it landed upside down in the Columbia River. First responders removed the operator from the vehicle and attempted life saving measures but were unsuccessful. Barrera was declared deceased at the scene.
The interstate was not impacted, but a viewpoint where the crash occurred was closed for approximately 5 hours while Troopers investigated the scene.
OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner, and ODOT.
Suspect-_SP23046505.JPG
OSP is asking for the public’s assistance with theft of a credit card investigation — Douglas & Lane County (Photo) – 03/05/23
An OSP Trooper was contacted by an individual who was traveling on Interstate-5 on February 10, 2023, with her three kids when, at approximately 11:00 AM, she stopped at the rest area near milepost 206. It was during that stop that she discovered her credit card was missing. The OSP Trooper was able to track down these images from video surveillance obtained from the stores in which the suspect used the stolen credit card.
The suspect’s vehicle looks to be similar to a 2000 GMC pickup with what appears to be aftermarket wheels. The suspect used the stolen card at the Pilot Fuel Station and Adult Store in Rice Hill as well as the Bi-Mart and Grocery Outlet in Cottage Grove. There was an additional attempt at an auto parts store in Springfield, but the card was declined.
Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP from your mobile phone. Refer to Case #: SP23-046505
On Friday, March 3, 2023, at approximately 3:10 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 105.
The preliminary investigation indicated a blue 2001 Ford F150, operated by Kurtis Lee Boise (40) of Warm Springs, was traveling westbound on Hwy 26 near Warm Springs when it left the roadway for unknown reasons and rolled. The driver of the vehicle, Kurtis Lee Boise, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger, Anthony Williams (37) of Madras, sustained minor injuries and was transported by medics for treatment.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
My_project-1.png
Oregon State Police Pledges to Advance Women in Policing (Photo) – 03/01/23
The national 30×30 Pledge Aims to Bring More Women into Policing to Improve Public Safety, Community Outcomes, and Trust in Law Enforcement
The Oregon State Police has signed on to the 30×30 Pledge – a series of low- and no-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The activities help policing agencies assess the current state of a department with regard to gender equity, identify factors that may be driving any disparities and develop and implement strategies and solutions to eliminate barriers and advance women in policing. These actions address recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion, and agency culture.
The Pledge is the foundational effort of the 30×30 Initiative – a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States. The 30×30 Initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE).
The ultimate goal of the 30×30 Initiative is to reach 30 percent of women in police recruit classes by 2030 and to ensure policing agencies are truly representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves. While 30×30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles are applicable to all demographic diversity, not just gender.
“This pledge means that the Oregon State Police is actively working toward improving the representation and experiences of women Troopers in our agency, “said Superintendent Casey Codding. “We are honored to be among many in the nation to make this critical commitment, and we look forward to working with and learning from agencies across the country who share our priority.”
More than 250 agencies – from major metro departments including the New York City Police Department to mid-sized, rural, university, and state policing agencies – have signed the 30×30 Pledge. The Pledge is based on social science research that greater representation of women on police forces leads to better policing outcomes for communities.
Currently, women make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership in the U.S. This underrepresentation of women in policing has significant public safety implications. Research suggests that women officers:
- Use less force and less excessive force
- Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits
- Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate
- See better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases
“We are grateful to the Oregon State Police for being one of the first in the nation to commit to being a part of this growing movement,” said Maureen McGough, co-founder of the 30×30 Initiative, Chief of Staff of the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law, and former policing expert at the U.S. Department of Justice. “We believe strongly that advancing women in policing is critical to improving public safety outcomes. We look forward to having more agencies follow Oregon State Police’s lead by signing the pledge and improving the representation and experiences of women in policing.”
For more information, visit www.30x30initiative.org.
Clackamas County Critical Incident-
On February 28th 2023, at about 8:20am, a crew from Portland General Electric was working near the intersection of Highway 224 and Wildcat Mountain Road, in the Eagle Creek area. They were reportedly approached by a male suspect who displayed a firearm and stole a PGE vehicle at gunpoint. The suspect fled the scene in the vehicle and later crashed on Highway 26, east of Sandy. After a search of the area, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was transported to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
The investigation is being led by the Oregon State Police.
Due to the on-going criminal investigation, we are unable to release further information at this time.
OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Deputy Sheriffs, Clackamas County SWAT and Sandy Police.
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, at approximately 3:40 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 59, in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Subaru Outback, operated by Althea Spahn (26) of Beaverton, was westbound on Hwy 26 with 4 passengers. The Subaru lost control, spun out, crossed into the eastbound lane, and was struck by an oncoming ODOT snowplow, operated by Jessie White (29) of Troutdale.
Two passengers of the Subaru, Lillian Alma Spahn (24) of Portland and Micah Paul Strauss (28) of Portland, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The three surviving occupants of the Subaru and the operator of the ODOT snowplow were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
The roadway was closed for approximately 6 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. Poor road conditions have been determined to be a significant contributor to this crash.
OSP was assisted by AMR, Hoodland Fire, ODOT, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s office.
20221002_111803.jpg
Update- Guilty Plea- OSP Fish & Wildlife Division seeks public assistance in poached Elk- Union County (Photo) – 02/23/23
On October 1, 2022, the opening day of the rifle deer season, deer hunters contacted Oregon State Troopers to advise they had located a deceased bull elk. The bull elk was located on private timber company lands off Kingsbury Lane north of Elgin, Oregon in the Wenaha Wildlife Management Unit. Fish and Wildlife Troopers responded to the scene and determined the bull elk had been shot from Kingsbury Lane with a rifle and had been left to waste. The elk had been shot a couple of days prior and no part of the elk had been removed or any attempt to salvage the meat had been taken.
With the public’s assistance, Troopers developed a suspect in the case. Cody Murrill, (42) of Elgin, Oregon, was interviewed, cited, and released to appear in court for criminal charges of Unlawful Take of a Branch Antlered Bull Elk and Waste of Wildlife.
On January 20, 2023, Cody Murrill appeared in the Union County Circuit Court and plead guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail; 12 months’ probation; forfeiture of the rifle used in the unlawful taking, and $440 in fines.
*******************************************************************************
The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in locating the individual or individuals responsible for the poaching of a branch antlered bull elk in the Wenaha wildlife management unit, north of Elgin, Oregon. It is believed the bull elk was shot with a rifle on the evening of Friday, September 30, 2022, one day prior to the opening of the controlled rifle buck deer season. The bull was shot on private timber lands off Kingsbury Lane near Darr Road. No part of the elk was removed, and the bull was left to waste.
OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is urging anyone with information about this case to call the Oregon State Police Tip-line at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP22-265831
***Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators***
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation, to a suspect, for the unlawful killing of wildlife, and or waste of big game. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags. Learn more: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
PREFERENCE POINT REWARDS:
* 5 Points-Mountain 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
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) Cash Rewards:
* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose
* $500 Elk, Deer, and Antelope
* $300 Bear, Cougar, and Wolf
* $300 Habitat Destruction
* $200 – Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
* $200 – Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl
* $100 Game Birds or Furbearers
* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
Birds
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
All other protected avian species: see category below for listed species
Mammals
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$1,000 (e.g. wolf, wolverine, kit fox, red tree vole, Canada lynx, sea otter, Columbian white-tailed deer, California brown pelican, western snowy plover, California least tern, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, short-tailed albatross, streaked horned lark, yellow-billed cuckoo, leatherback sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, Oregon spotted frog, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle)
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at approximately 9:38 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97, at the intersection with Hwy 197, in Wasco County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Lincoln MKZ (passenger car), operated by Richard Evar Fridell (75) of Shaniko, was traveling southbound on Hwy 97 when a northbound GMC Savana (box truck), operated by Vitaliy Solomko (49) of Federal Way (WA), attempted to make a left turn in front of the southbound Lincoln. Both vehicle operators attempted to avoid a collision, however the vehicles collided nearly head-on.
A passenger in the Lincoln, Mary Jane Wright (76) of Shaniko, was declared deceased at the scene. The vehicle operators suffered minor injuries, which resulted in neither being transported by ambulance for treatment.
The highway was closed for approximately a half an hour while the on-scene investigation was conducted.
OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Fire and ODOT.
Update: Correction- Gonzalo Martinez III was an active duty Soldier in the U.S. Army.
***********************************************************************************************
On Sunday, February 19, 2023, at approximately 6:23 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash on Hwy 30, near milepost 60, in Columbia County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a military convoy traveling westbound on Hwy 30 had stopped on the westbound shoulder to address an unknown mechanical issue. A Humvee style vehicle associated with the convoy traveling eastbound had stopped in the eastbound passing lane. Two National Guardsmen exited the stopped Humvee to aid the convoy in addressing the mechanical issue. One of the Guardsmen, Gonzalo Martinez III (29) of Cleveland (TX) was struck by an eastbound 1997 Chevrolet pickup, operated by Richard L. Erickson (72) of Clatskanie, who was also traveling in the left lane. The Chevrolet then crashed into the parked Humvee. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup and the military member, were both transported to St. John’s Hospital in Longview (WA). The driver of the Chevrolet pickup remains in stable condition and the military member, Martinez III, was pronounced deceased.
The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriffs’ Office, Clatskanie Fire, and ODOT.
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at approximately 3:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 47, near milepost 74, north of NW Nowakowki Rd., near Vernonia.
The preliminary investigation indicated a green 1999 Subaru Legacy wagon, operated by Destanie King (26) of Vernonia, was traveling northbound on HWY 47 when for unknown reasons the Legacy crossed into the oncoming lane, with the passenger side now facing north, while in the southbound lane, colliding with the front of a southbound red 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon. King, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the 2014 Subaru Outback, Claire Colburn-Collier (65) of San Pablo (CA) and her passenger, Michael Collier (66) of San Pablo (CA), were transported by air to Legacy Emanuel with life threatening injuries. Michael Collier was pronounced deceased from his injuries on February 18th.
The highway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.
The Oregon State Police were assisted by the Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and ODOT.
Original Article: Source