Oregon State Police and Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office requesting assistance in identifying male discovered deceased in 2016
On July 22, 2016, the body of an unknown male individual was found deceased under the Marion Street Bridge in Salem, Oregon. The individual was wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt and blue denim jeans. He appeared to have brown hair with some gray, and was between 35 and 65 years old at the time of death. The identity of this individual has never been confirmed, and almost 7 years have passed without any substantial leads regarding his identity. His profile has been uploaded into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System under NamUs UP#16050.
OSP has partnered with Parabon NanoLabs to perform innovative DNA analysis on this case. Based on genetic information, his eye color and hair color are brown, and his skin color is light brown. Additional results show this male to have genetic ancestry common in Central and South American Latino individuals. He is likely from Central Mexico and very likely to have close family in or near Las Ranas, Michoacan.
Do you know of, or have family members in Las Ranas? Can you recall a known Hispanic male individual disappearing in the summer of 2016 who meets this description and has not been heard from in 7 years? If so, please contact the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office at 1-503-580-9471 to report information that may help identify this man.
Information can also be e-mailed to Randerson@co.marion.or.us
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, at approximately 8:30 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 235, in Malheur County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2005 Kia Sedona, operated by Lance Lightfoot (62) of Meridian (ID), was eastbound, when for an unknown reason, it left its lane of travel and crossed into westbound lane where it collided with an oncoming 2015 Nissan sedan, operated by Cecilia Loma (27) of Carson (CA). As a result of the collision, both vehicles caught fire and all of the occupants of both vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Kia (Lightfoot) was declared decease at the scene.
The occupants of the Nissan, Cecilia Loma (27) of Carson (CA); Erik Ortiz (26) of Carson (CA); a 15 yr old male juvenile; an 8 month old female, were all declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted at the scene by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Vale Fire & Ambulance and ODOT.
On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at approximately 5:46 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-126W, near milepost 30, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Challenger, operated by Allen David Weaver Jr (51) of Grace (ID), was westbound on Hwy 126W near milepost 30 when for unknown reasons it crossed the double yellow centerline and sideswiped a white Nissan Frontier, operated by McKenzie Rhea Myers (36) of Florence, which was pulling a travel trailer. The Dodge Challenger continued out of control westbound in the eastbound lane and struck a green Toyota Tacoma pickup, operated by Derek Zavier Powell (31) of Eugene, nearly head on.
The operator of the Challenger (Weaver Jr) was declared deceased on scene.
The operator of the Nissan (Myers) and passenger, Michelle Lynn Wilson (52) of Florence, were not injured during the collision.
The operator of the Toyota (Powell) was seriously injured and transported to the hospital for treatment. Two passengers in the Tacoma, Lacy Nicole Taylor (28) of Eugene and Michele Denise Taylor (58) of Eugene, were also declared deceased on scene. A third passenger, David Michael Taylor (59) of Eugene, was seriously injured and transported to the hospital for treatment.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Lane Fire Authority and ODOT.
On Monday, July 3, 2023, at approximately 2:35 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash off Hwy-22W, near milepost 20, in Polk County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Highlander, operated by William Terry Bailey (74) of Depoe Bay, left the highway and travelled approximately 1,000 feet through a field before striking a power pole. The vehicle continued to Merrill Ln NW where it struck a fence and became entangled in wire.
The operator (Bailey) was declared deceased at the scene. Investigator believe the operator may have suffered a medical event prior to the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, SW Polk County Fire, City of Dallas Fire & EMS, and Pacific Power and Light.
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 12:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 198, in Grant County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Ram pickup, operated by Michael Thomas Owen (64) of Bend, was traveling westbound on US 26, near milepost 198, when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and crashed into a tree.
The operator (Michael) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle, Lynn Owen (66) of Bend, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.
The highway was minimally impacted during the investigation.
OSP was assisted by Blue Mountain Hospital Ambulance and ODOT.
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 5:00 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 6, in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a GMC Envoy, operated by Yolanda Flores (41) of Centralia (WA), was northbound when it took the milepost 6 exit too fast, exited the roadway and rolled multiple times.
A juvenile passenger, who was reportedly unrestrained, was ejected from the vehicle during the roll-over and was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator (Flores) and another passenger, Andres Cruz (22) of Centralia (WA), suffered minor injuries.
The roadway remained open during the investigation. The incident is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Ashland PD, the STAR team, AMR, and ODOT.
On Friday, June 30, 2023, at approximately 5:36 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-95, near milepost 65, in Malheur County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Toyota Prius, operated by Raymond Leroy Folsom (74) of Buckeye (AZ), was traveling northbound on US-95, near milepost 65, followed by a red 2017 Volvo semi-truck, operated by Gregory Edward Hunt (36) of Caldwell (ID), towing triple trailers. The operator of the Prius pulled over to the shoulder and subsequently made a U-turn to travel southbound and was struck broadside by the northbound Volvo.
The operator of the Prius (Folsom) was declared deceased at the scene. Two passengers, Virginia Louise Folsom (76) and John Todd Folsom (51) of Buckeye (AZ), within the vehicle were transported to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise via Life Flight for treatment of their injuries.
The operator of the Volvo (Hunt) was transported to an area hospital by Life Flight.
The highway was blocked for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation and cleanup. A hazmat team responded due to leaking fuel, paint, and battery acid.
OSP was assisted by ODOT and Jordan Valley EMS.
On Thursday, June 29, 2023, at approximately 2:15 P.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 northbound Ford F-250, operated by Frank Lee Serfoss (81) of Ronan (MT), was pulling a single axle utility trailer and crossed over the paved center median into the southbound lanes. The Ford crashed head-on into a southbound International Semi-tractor, operated by Christopher Michael Dalton (30) of Clifton (AZ), which was pulling a flatbed semi-trailer.
The operator of the Ford (Serfoss) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the semi-truck (Dalton) sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated, but was not transported to a hospital.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Fire and EMS, South Wasco Fire and Rescue, Life Flight, and ODOT.
Correction: This crash occurred in Douglas County.
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On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at approximately 12:10 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 208, in Douglass County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound silver GMC Sonoma, operated by Raymond Louis Eby Jr. (35) of Molalla, crossed into the on-coming northbound lane for unknown reasons. The GMC Sonoma collided (offset) head-on with a northbound white Toyota Rav4, operated by Shawna Michelle Coolidge (51) of Florence. As a result of the collision, the GMC Sonoma rolled over and came to an uncontrolled rest on its roof blocking the northbound lane. The GMC Sonoma received heavy front-end damage. The Toyota Rav4 left the roadway after the collision and came to an uncontrolled rest down a small embankment adjacent to the northbound lanes. The Toyota Rav4 received heavy front-end damage.
The driver of the GMC Sonoma (Eby Jr.) and driver of the Toyota Rav4 (Coolidge) were declared deceased at the scene.
A three year old child in the Toyota Rav4 was transported to Lower Umpqua Hospital via Lower Umpqua Ambulance with non-life threatening injuries and later transferred to Sacred Heart Riverbend in Springfield.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 1 hour during the on-scene investigation.
ODOT, Mast Brother’s Towing, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Reedsport Police Department, Gardiner Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and a OSP HWR / Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplain assisted in the investigation.
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at approximately 10:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 123, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a black Land Rover Range Rover, operated by Jonnie Leroy Puz Jr. (54) of Roseburg, was traveling south on Interstate 5 in the fast lane when it struck a pedestrian, Betty Hamm (54) of Grants Pass, who was traveling west across the interstate.
The operator (Puz Jr.) of the Land Rover immediately stopped and fully cooperated with the investigation.
The pedestrian (Hamm) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
OSP was assisted by Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, and Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at approximately 10:11 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 186, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a black Ford F-250, operated by Ravi Artemus Polini (24) of Fort Bragg (CA), was northbound on Hwy 101, near Sutton Lake Rd, when it left its lane of travel, crossed over a turn lane and left the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the Ford crossed Sutton Lake Rd. and T-boned a blue Chevy Bolt, operated by Logan Jacob Scott (31) of Florence, that was stopped at a stop sign.
The operator of the Chevy (Scott) was declared deceased at the scene.
OSP was assisted by ODOT.
On Friday, June 23, 2023, at approximately 3:18 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-two vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 217, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound blue Fiat 500, operated by John Lee Woojung (48) of Garden Grove (CA), crossed over the centerline for an unknown reason and collided head-on with a red Ford F-350, operated by Terry Roseberry (68) of Crescent, which was southbound on the highway.
The operator of the Fiat (Woojung) and passenger, Henee Lee Beevience (45) of Garden Grove (CA), were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Ford (Roseberry) was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The highway was impacted for approximately 1 hour.
OSP was assisted by Chemult Fire and ODOT.
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at approximately 5:16 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 30, near milepost 41, in Columbia County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound brown Honda CR-V, operated by Jason Ray Bennett (34) of Clatskanie, crossed the centerline for an unknown reason. Upon crossing into the westbound lane, the brown Honda CR-V collided head-on with a westbound white 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Gregory Alan Woodall Jr (50) of Deer Island.
The operator of the brown Honda CR-V (Bennett) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the white Chevrolet Silverado (Woodall Jr.) was determined to be uninjured and was cooperative with the investigation.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 11:47 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 223, at the intersection with Rickreall Rd, in Polk County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, operated by Lorine M. Wooldridge (66) of Dallas, was travelling eastbound on Hwy 223 when it took the exit at Rickreall Rd. The Volkswagen made a U-turn on Rickreall Rd and drove the wrong way back towards Hwy 223. The Volkswagen attempted to merge back onto the highway heading eastbound and was struck in the drivers side door by a white Ford F-150, operated by Perry G. Freeman II (49) of Dallas.
The operator of the Volkswagen (Wooldridge) was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Volkswagen, Margaret McCloud (77) of Dallas, suffered serious injury and was transported to a local hospital.
The operator of the Ford (Freeman II) was uninjured. A passenger in the Ford, Perry Freeman III (20) of Dallas, was uninjured in the crash.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Police Department, Dallas Fire, SW Polk Fire, and ODOT.
Person of Interest- Heceta 6
Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance identifying subjects in an incident at Heceta Head Lighthouse- Lane County (Photo) – 06/20/23
On June 15, 2023, at 11:43 A.M., an act of criminal mischief was reported at the Heceta Head Lighthouse and associated property, located at Highway 101 near milepost 178 in Florence, Oregon. The incident occurred on June 14, 2023, at 8:43 P.M. hours, as captured on surveillance video.
The footage revealed the presence of four individuals approaching the lighthouse and its buildings. Among them, one subject was seen carrying a can of spray paint. Two of the individuals were observed breaking a window on the lighthouse building and attempting entry. Their activities were interrupted by an unassociated person who approached the scene, prompting all four subjects to flee.
As a result of this incident, one of the associated lighthouse buildings was vandalized with spray paint, and signage along the trail from the parking lot to the lighthouse was also affected.
The Oregon State Police is actively investigating the case. However, we need additional information or evidence that could lead to the identification of the pictured suspects involved.
Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone or 800-442-0776. Reference case # SP23-178524. We appreciate the cooperation and support of the community in assisting us with this ongoing investigation.
The Oregon State Police is working closely with Oregon State Parks to preserve and protect this historical landmark, the Heceta Head Lighthouse located at milepost 178 on Highway 101 in Florence. Oregon State Parks Ranger, Burke Martin, estimates the cost to repair the damage to be between $10,000 to $20,000. We will continue working diligently to ensure the safety and integrity of this iconic site.
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 3:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-197, near milepost 44, in Wasco County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a red Pontiac Vibe, operated by Nicholas Lawrence Mueller (31) of Maupin, was traveling northbound on Hwy 197 when it began turn into a driveway. A northbound Suzuki K6R, operated by Devan Lee Nelson (26) of Tygh Valley, was behind the Pontiac and struck the rear of the vehicle for unknown reasons.
The operator of the Suzuki (Nelson) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Pontiac (Mueller) was not injured.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Department, Maupin Ambulance and ODOT.
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Oregon State Police- Illegal Marijuana Seizure- Multnomah County (Photo) – 06/16/23
OREGON STATE POLICE NORTHWEST REGION MARIJUANA TEAM EXECUTES SEARCH WARRANTS IN LARGE-SCALE MARIJUANA, PSILOCYBIN, AND OTHER DRUG DELIVERY INVESTIGATION – MULTNOMAH COUNTY (PHOTOS)
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, the Oregon State Police (OSP) Northwest Region Marijuana (NWRMJ) team served search warrants at three (3) locations in Multnomah and Marion counties: a residence in the 2000 block of NE Edgewater Drive, Portland, a high-rise apartment near NW Hoyt St and NW 14th Ave. Portland, and a residence on Wyoming Circle, Salem.
Located and seized from the Edgewater residence included the following:
- 21 firearms, one with an obliterated serial number
- Body Armor
- Approximately $198,000 U.S. Currency
- 428 packages of illegal marijuana extracts (24 pounds)
- 282 pounds of illegal marijuana flower
- 320 marijuana pre-roll cigarettes
- 7,847 marijuana vape cartridges
- 1,161 packages of marijuana candies
- 781 psilocybin mushroom bars, containing 3,124 grams of psilocybin
- 0.6 pounds of dried psilocybin mushrooms
- 2.7 pounds of counterfeit pills which tested positive for methamphetamine
- 0.4 pounds of Xanax pills
- 8.8 grams of cocaine
- Several fraudulent Oregon driver’s licenses
Also discovered were two (2) bays within an attached garage which had been converted for cultivating psilocybin mushrooms; a total of 2,100 bags of suspected psilocybin mushrooms were seized. Detectives located evidence throughout the residence of the myriad of narcotics were being exported from Oregon, throughout the country, where they were ultimately sold on the black market for profit.
The following individuals were arrested and lodged in the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), Unlawful Importing/Exporting of Marijuana (Felony) x2, and Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.
- Pedro Antonio Valencia-Gonzalez (27)
- Martin Anthony Martinez (25)
- Albert Watak Vakacapelle (27)
- Eric Joon Yi (36)
Additional Charges will be referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Additional non-drug evidence was located at the two (2) other locations.
The OSP NWRMJ team was assisted by the OSP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, OSP Southwest Region Marijuana (SWRMJ) team, United States Postal Service (USPS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Portland Office, Westside Interagency Narcotics Task Force (WIN), Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF), Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available for release at this time.
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Oregon State Police- Illegal Marijuana Seizure- Josephine County (Photo) – 06/16/23
OREGON STATE POLICE SOUTHWEST REGION MARIJUANA TEAM MAKES ILLEGAL MARIJUANA BUST-JOSEPHINE COUNTY
On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the Oregon State Police (OSP) Southwest Region Marijuana (SWRMJ) team served an illegal marijuana search warrant, on Valley Heights Rd., in Selma, Josephine County.
As a result, 8,095 illegal marijuana plants contained in thirteen (13) large greenhouses were located, seized, and ultimately destroyed. A firearm was also located and seized. Concerns over multiple potential code violations were forwarded to the Josephine County Public Health Department. Additionally, the property is subject to potential criminal forfeiture.
The OSP SWRMJ team was assisted by the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team of Josephine County, the Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) of Josephine County, and the Interagency Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) of Jackson County.
The investigation is on-going and no further information is available at this time.
On Monday, June 12, 2023, at approximately 8:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 138E, near milepost 64, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white GMC Sierra, operated by Donald Lee Wade (79) of Roseburg, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 138E when, for unknown reasons, it veered off the right-hand shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle traveled approximately 360 feet down the dirt shoulder of the highway before coming to an uncontrolled rest in the ditch. The operator of the vehicle (Wade) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Glide Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, and ODOT.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 3:51 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 22, near milepost 60, in Marion County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a blue Honda Civic, operated by Alberto Avila-Perez (41) of Salem, was traveling westbound on Hwy 22 near milepost 60 when it lost control, departed the roadway wide and hit a boulder. The collision caused the Honda to overturn and cross the centerline into oncoming traffic where it clipped a cargo trailer being towed by a red Hyundai, operated by Randall Pefferle (70) of Bend, and then crashed head on into a black Subaru Forester, operated by Amella Hennig (70) of Salem.
The operator of the Honda (Avila-Perez) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The passenger of the Honda, Jorge Alejandro Avila-Perez (42) of Salem, was transported with non life threatening injuries. No other people were injured.
The operator of the Hyundai (Pefferle) was not injured.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed is suspected as a contributor to the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Idanha Fire Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, and ODOT.
Serious Injury Crash- Hwy 22W – Polk County
On Friday, June 2, 2023, at approximately 3:34 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 22W, near milepost 21, in Polk County.
A red 2008 Cadillac CTS, operated by a male juvenile (17), was traveling eastbound on Hwy 22W when it crossed over into the median and into the westbound lanes where it collided head-on with a white 2011 Ford F350, operated by Edgar Hernandez Carrasco (33) of Salem, that was traveling westbound at the time.
The driver of the Cadillac and two of its passengers were transported to Salem Hospital due to injuries. Two passengers from the Cadillac suffered life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Ford and his passenger were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation. Due to the criminal nature of this investigation, OSP will not be releasing any further information.
The driver of the Cadillac, who was a juvenile, was treated for minor injuries and later found to have a BAC of 0.19%. The juvenile later was arrested for DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless End x7, Assault 3 x2 and Assault 4 x2. The driver of the Ford and his passenger were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:41 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 18, near milepost 14, in Tillamook County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Ford Transit van, operated by William Nicolas Calderon (20) of Lincoln City, was traveling westbound on highway 18 when the vehicle left its lane of travel, and side swiped a Gray Honda Pilot, operated by Joseph Daniel Davis (59) of Dallas. The Ford Transit then side swiped a Gray Ford Ranger, operated by Kory Lee Thomas (51) of Salem. The Ford Transit then collided head on with a gray Subaru Crosstrek, operated by Jennifer Marie Ahlstrom (48) of Portland.
The operator of the Ford Transit (Calderon) was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The operators of the Honda Pilot (Davis) and Ford Ranger (Thomas) were not injured.
The operator of the Subaru Crosstrek (Ahlstrom) was seriously injured and transported by air to a local hospital. Two juvenile passengers were transported by ground ambulance for treatment.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is being investigated. At this time, OSP is unable to release further information due to the continuing investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Rhonde Fire, North Lincoln Fire, Pac West Ambulance, and ODOT.
Correction: Crashed occurred at 11:28 A.M.
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On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at approximately 1:28 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Hwy 221, near milepost 11.5, in Polk County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a silver 2021 Ford F-350, operated by Robert Weeks (47) of McMinnville, was traveling southbound on Hwy 221 when it passed a bicyclist, Adam Joy (55) of Portland, traveling in the same direction. The bicyclist fell over, into the lane of travel, just as the F-350 passed. Even though the F-350 had slowed when passing, the rider of the bicycle was run over by the F-350 and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Ford remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by Yamhill and Polk County Fire Departments, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County District Attorney, Polk County ME, and ODOT.
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at approximately 10:39 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 234, near milepost 16, in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated black 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Dustin C. Alioto (34) of Eagle Point, crossed into the on-coming lane and grazed a red 2008 Kia Sedona, operated by Charmin Koa Avila (47) of Trail, and then struck a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Heriberto Valencia-Guzman (34) of Eureka (CA), head on.
The operator of the black Silverado (Alioto) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the white Silverado (Valencia-Guzman) was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The operator of the Kia (Avila) was not injured.
The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
OSP was assisted by the Jackson County STAR Team, Fire District 3, Mercy Flights, and ODOT.
Damaged fins, embedded hooks and gouges indicate snagging, or intentionally hooking a fish someplace other than in the mouth. Signs of the illegal technique are visible on salmon and steelhead as they reenter the hatchery system for spawning.
ODFW/OSP Stop Poaching Campaign (Photo) – 06/09/23
NEWS RELEASE
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Stop Poaching campaign
Contact: Media: osppio@osp.oregon.gov
To report tips: TIP Line: 800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from mobile
Date: 6/9/23
Subject: Torn fins, embedded hooks mark spawning salmon and steelhead returning to Oregon hatcheries.
SALEM, Ore. — OSP F&W Troopers discovered fish with embedded hooks, sliced fins, circular scabs, and other evidence of illegal tactics, while assisting ODFW hatchery staff during the spring salmon spawning season.
Snagging occurs when a person hooks, or attempts to hook, a fish anywhere on its body other than inside the mouth. Although snagging is an unlawful practice with steep consequences, many people still engage in this unethical behavior, according to OSP F&W Trooper Cameron Jamison.
“Indicators that a person may be attempting to snag fish include quickly and repeatedly ripping large lengths of line through the water, repeated yanking of the fishing rod from water lever to over the shoulders or head and failing to release fish which have been hooked anywhere on their fins or body,” Trooper Cameron said.
Evidence of snagging and other injuries becomes apparent during annual collection processes, when hatchery workers collect and sort salmon and steelhead for spawning.
During the collection process, hatchery staff, with assistance from OSP F&W Troopers, check for tags that indicate when and where each fish was released as a smolt, along with other tracking information. The data from these collections is used to determine the health of the fish populations and to assist in determining future rules and regulations.
Salmon and Steelhead then go into holding ponds until the hatchery accumulates the number of fish necessary to repopulate that hatchery and river system. When hatchery workers reach a target number of salmon and steelhead, they contain the fish in holding ponds for spawning.
Steelhead in good condition after spawning are released back into the lower sections of the same river in hopes that they will head back out to the ocean and have another opportunity to return to the hatchery next year to spawn again. Salmon and steelhead at the end of their lifecycles are placed in streams to decompose as part of the stream enrichment program.
By the time salmon and steelhead return to the hatchery they’ve typically reached the end of their lifecycle. Seventy percent of salmon and steelhead harvested In Oregon originate from a hatchery, and ninety five percent of the salmon and steelhead harvested in the Willamette River originate from a hatchery. In 2022, hatcheries estimated returns of about 142,000 salmon and 27,000 steelhead.
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. Contact campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw for more information. Yvonne.L.Shaw@odfw.oregon.gov.
If you observe behavior that you believe to be snagging, please contact Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife at *OSP (*677) or the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) Line at: (800) 452-7888.”
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Original Article: Source