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Fatal Crash – HWY 212 – Clackamas County04/03/23

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, at approximately 12:59 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 212, near milepost 7, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Ford Fusion, operated by Jacob Aaron Paige (32) of Happy Valley, was westbound, near milepost 7, when the operator saw a pedestrian, Christopher Wendell Niiranen (55) of Sheridan, laying in the westbound lane of travel. The driver of the Fusion swerved to avoid hitting the pedestrian, but was unable to avoid a collision and the pedestrian was fatally struck. 

The operator of the Ford Fusion remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Hwy 212 was closed for approximately 2 hours while Troopers investigated the scene. Dark clothing and roadway lighting are suspected to have contributed to the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas Fire, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 99E – Lane County04/03/23

On Friday, March 31, 2023, at approximately 8:30 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 99E, near milepost 32, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white GMC Sierra, operated by Kenneth Clair Tish (53) of Yoncalla, was travelling southbound when for unknown reasons it crossed the center lane line and struck a northbound blue Jeep Cherokee, operated by Nicholas Aaron Tyree (40) of Lebanon, head-on. The GMC operator was transported via ambulance to the Riverbend Hospital. The Jeep operator was pronounced deceased on scene by responding fire/medic personnel. 

The roadway was closed for approximately 4.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.  The cause of the crash is under investigation and will be referred to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

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

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84- Union County03/30/23

On Monday, March 27, 2023, at approximately 10:00 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 256, in Union County.  The crash was not witnessed and was discovered by someone walking near the river who then reported it to law enforcement.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2013 Chevy Silverado, operated by Aaron Ray Waggoner (47) of Stanfield, failed to negotiate a curve, went off the roadway and became airborne before coming to rest, upside down in a river over 100 feet below the roadway. The operator was located deceased upon arrival. 

The involved vehicle had been reported stolen from the City of La Grande (city owned) at approximately 9:00 P.M., March 26, 2023.

The roadway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff Department, La Grande Fire Department, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- Interstate 84- Sherman County03/30/23

On Saturday, March 25, at approximately 1:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 108, in Sherman County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red 1996 Subaru Legacy and black 2010 Nissan Armada were parked along the shoulder of I-84, near milepost 108, working on the disabled Subaru. The pedestrian, Michael Beauford Baysinger (69) of Kennewick (WA), was standing at the partially opened driver’s door of the black Nissan when a white 2020 Freightliner semi-truck with double trailers, operated by Robert Maxwell Service (29) of Gresham, passed in the righthand lane. The Freightliner struck the partially ajar driver’s door of the black Nissan and the pedestrian.  The pedestrian was killed as a result of the collision.

The roadway was impacted for several hours during the on-scene investigation.  The CMV operator was cooperative during the investigation

OSP was assisted by Sherman County Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Clatsop County03/28/23

On Monday, March 27, at approximately 6:47 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 30, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Corolla, operated by Maria Guadalupe Nolazco Luna (20) of Cannon Beach, was southbound on Highway 101, near mile post 30, at the intersection with Sunset Boulevard. While making a left turn onto Sunset Boulevard, the sedan was struck on the passenger side by a northbound Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Jeffre Cottrell (41) of Rock Springs (WY). The operator of the Toyota declined medical transport from the scene and the operator of the Dodge was reportedly uninjured.

A passenger in the Toyota, a male juvenile (12), was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Cannon Beach Fire Department, Seaside Fire Department, Cannon Beach Police Department and ODOT. 

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Traffic Stop Leads to DUII and seizure of suspected Psilocybin Mushrooms-Yamhill County (Photo)03/28/23

On March 21, 2023, an Oregon State Police Trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding, driving 86 mph in a 55mph zone, on Highway 18 near milepost 31. The driver displayed signs of impairment, so the Trooper performed SFSTs.  The driver performed poorly and was arrested for DUII.

While searching the vehicle for evidence of the DUII, the Trooper located 292 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, along with multiple firearms, and a scale. The driver was transported to the Willamette Valley Medical Center where a blood/urine search warrant was applied for, granted, and executed before the driver was cited and released. 

Additional commercial drug offense charges will be referred to the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office pending a controlled substance analysis.

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Lengthy poaching case ends with conviction- Douglas County (Photo)03/28/23

On March 17, 2023, Albert Lampert (69) of Glendale was found guilty of 21 misdemeanor charges relating to criminal trespassing and wildlife violations in Douglas County Circuit Court.  He was convicted by a jury of his peers after a 3-day trial.  The charges stemmed from an elk decoy operation that occurred in November 2020 by OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers from the Roseburg and Coos Bay Area Commands. The investigation was concluded in January 2020 with a search warrant being served at Mr. Lampert’s residence.

On March 23, 2023, Albert Lampert was sentenced in the Douglas County Circuit Court and immediately remanded to jail for 30 days. Additionally, he received five years of probation where he cannot be hunting, in the woods with a centerfire rifle, or be with anyone who is hunting. The penalty for violating his probation is six months of additional jail time. Mr. Lampert was also fined $2100, received a 3-year hunting license suspension, and forfeited his rifle.

***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

The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among state agencies, sportsmen, and other conservationists, landowners, and recreationists to engage the public in combatting Oregon’s poaching problem. Our goal is to: Incentivize reporting on wildlife crimes through the TIP Line; Strengthen enforcement by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers, and Support prosecution in becoming an effective deterrent. The campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. 

Campaign Sponsors include Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, and Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association.

Report a Wildlife or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity- Dial 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone or via email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov​

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OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Seizure- Deschutes County (Photo)03/27/23

On March 21, 2023, at approximately 2:30 PM, an Oregon State Police Senior Trooper stopped a 2015 Nissan Altima for a vehicle equipment violation and for failure of a slower-moving vehicle to yield to overtaking vehicle, on northbound US 97 near milepost 161, in Deschutes County. During the traffic stop, the Senior Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity.

An OSP narcotics detection canine was applied to the vehicle and alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted. The Senior Trooper located approximately 36 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately two pounds of suspected heroin, which were concealed within the vehicle. 

The driver identified as Anabel Torres (38), of Sunnyside, Washington, and the passenger identified as Audel Torres Perez, (38), of Sunnyside, Washington, were interviewed and released pending referred charges.

OSP Troopers were assisted during the investigation by Oregon State Police detectives assigned to the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, Oregon State Police Southwest Region Marijuana Team, and 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.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Douglas County03/25/23

On Friday, March 24, 2023, at approximately 5:58 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 5 (southbound), near milepost 166, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Freightliner CMV and semi-trailer, operated by Joel Lockhart (29) of White City (OR), was southbound and lost control striking the center barrier where it came to rest. A Nissan Murano, operated by Karen Sweesy (46) of Monroe (WA), was southbound and came upon the disabled CMV and semi-trailer. The Nissan crashed into the left rear corner of the semi-trailer. Sweesy was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. 

A passenger in the Nissan, Shari Landerville (59) of Monroe (WA), received serious injuries and was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. The operator of the CMV was uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by North Douglas Fire & EMS, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cottage Grove PD, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 138W – Douglas County03/24/23

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 12:36 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 138W, near milepost 19, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an International Box Truck, operated by Jose Cortez Hurtado (68) of Salem, was eastbound on Hwy 138W, when for unknown reasons, it went across the roadway and partially onto the westbound shoulder. The truck veered back across the roadway and onto the eastbound shoulder where it crashed into a tree. Hurtado was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders. 

The highway remained open during the on-scene crash investigation.

OSP was assisted by Sutherlin Fire, Kellogg Fire, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, ODOT, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Medical Examiner.

Officer Involved Shooting- Cascadia – Linn County03/22/23

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section and the Linn County Major Crimes Team responded to Linn County to investigate an officer involved shooting.  

At approximately 2 P.M., Linn County Deputies responded to the area of Cascadia to investigate a reported disturbance.  Upon arrival at the reported location, Deputies confronted an armed male and the incident resulted in two Deputies discharging their duty weapons.  Deputies rendered emergency medical aid to the suspect, Noah David Colgrove (30) of Sweet Home, however he was declared deceased at the scene.  The Deputies were uninjured during the incident. 

The Deputies involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave; per agency policy and practice.

At this time, no further information is available for release.  This is on-going investigation and future updates will come from the Oregon State Police or the Linn County District Attorney’s Office.

Fatal Crash – HWY 97 – Deschutes County03/21/23

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.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Linn County03/21/23

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.

Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Lincoln County03/16/23

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.

Fatal crash – Hwy 203 – Baker County03/13/23

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.

Fatal Crash – HWY 42 – Douglas County03/10/23

Correction:  Crash Time- 1:30 P.M.

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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.

Fatal Crash on Hwy 26-Jefferson County03/06/23

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

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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. 

Fatal Incident – Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area – Tillamook County03/06/23

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.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84 – Clackamas County03/05/23

Correction:  This crash occurred in Multnomah County.

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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.

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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

Fatal Crash – HWY 26 – Jefferson County03/04/23

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.

Original Article: Source