Umatilla County – Elk_3
OSP Fish and Wildlife asking for public assistance — Umatilla County (Photo) – 01/26/24
OSP Fish and Wildlife Division asks for the public’s help to identify poachers
Unlawful take and waste of multiple cow elk near Sugar Bowl Ridge
UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 26 Jan. 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take and waste of a multiple cow elk in Umatilla County.
On Dec. 29, 2023, Fish and Wildlife troopers received a report of two dead cow elk and three additional gut piles in the Heppner Unit near Sugar Bowl Ridge. The five elk had been shot and two cow elk had been left to waste.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number is SP23409986.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Deschutes County, Ore 19 Jan 24- On Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 97, at the intersection with Hwy 31, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chevrolet Trail Blazer, operated by Marveen Louise Cloud (87) of Fort Rock, was in the left turn lane waiting to turn east onto Hwy 31. The Chevrolet attempted to turn left, crossing the northbound lane, and was struck by a northbound Dodge Dart, operated by Cheyenne Raelee Johnson (22) of Lapine.
The operator of the Dodge (Johnson) suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.
A passenger in the Dodge, Joanne Lee Banzer (77) of Lapine, was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Cloud) suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions do not appear to be a contributing factor to this crash.
OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Lapine Fire, and ODOT.
Marion County, Ore 19 Jan 2024- On Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12:49 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a pickup versus commercial motor vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 278, in Marion County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Ford F-150, operated by Douglas Shane Johnston (43) of Aurora, left the travel lane and struck the rear of a parked Freightliner and trailer on the shoulder of the roadway.
The operator of the Ford (Johnston) was declared deceased at the scene.
The occupants of the Freightliner were not injured.
The interstate was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Aurora Fire and ODOT.
Klamath County, Ore 17 Jan 2024 – On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus pickup crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 197, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound GMC pickup, operated by Michael Randolph Lasley (78) of Clearlake (CA), crossed into the southbound lane and struck a southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Zachary Ryan Sprangler (29) of Grants Pass, head on.
The operator of the GMC (Lasley) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Sprangler) was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Chemult Fire and ODOT.
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Klamath County, Ore 17 Jan 2024 – On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus passenger vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 193, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Juan Ochoa Bravo (39) of Bend, was traveling northbound when it lost control and slid into the southbound travel lane. A southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Iskanyan Avetis Vardani (56) of Los Angeles (CA), attempted to avoid the Chrysler by swerving off the southbound shoulder of the highway. The front passenger side of the Chrysler collided with the front end of the Peterbilt causing significant damage and sending the Chrsyler spinning across the northbound lane.
The operator of the Chrysler (Juan Ochoa Bravo), Eve Saldana Alcantar (37), Erik Ochoa Saldana (18), a female juvenile (15), and a male infant (1) were declared deceased at the scene.
An additional female juvenile (11) passenger was transported to a local medical center with critical injuries.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Vardani) was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions and several passengers not wearing proper safety restraints are primary factors in the crash.
OSP was assisted by Crescent Fire and ODOT.
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Rescued Northern Pygmy Owl
OSP helps rescue injured Northern Pygmy Owl (Photo) – 01/12/24
OSP helps rescue injured Northern Pygmy Owl
A Heartwarming Story for a Cold Weekend
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. 12 Jan. 2024 – On Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife responded to a report of an injured owl near a residence in Shady Cove. The reported “baby” owl turned out to be a Northern Pygmy Owl – a small owl species not much larger than a baseball or about the size of a three-inch Oregon State Police patch.
The rescued owl appeared to have an injury to its wing and was released to the care of a wildlife rehabilitation center for evaluation, treatment, and hopefully release back to where it was found. Although injured raptors are a common call for Fish and Wildlife troopers, the responding trooper said it was the first time he had encountered a Norther Pygmy Owl in person.
“We are thankful to have partnerships with nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facilities who help save wildlife like this little Northern Pygmy Owl,” said Captain Kyle Kennedy. “We appreciate the commitment of their staff, volunteers, and donors who help us fulfill our mission of preserving and protecting Oregon’s natural resources.”
Northern Pygmy Owls are native to western North America including forested areas of Oregon including the Coast Range, Klamath Mountains, Cascade Mountains, and Blue Mountains. Although small in stature, these little raptors can be fierce hunters preying on everything from mice, voles, and insects to small reptiles and amphibians such as lizards or frogs. Unlike many species of owl, Northern Pygmy Owls are active during the day and hunt by sight rather than sound.
To learn more about OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division visit our website.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Lincoln County, Ore 11 Jan 2024-
On Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:14 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 163, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an ambulance, operated by Casey Rainey Wittmier, was responding to a call with emergency lights activated when it attempted to turn southbound onto Hwy 101 from a driveway. A northbound Kia Soul, operated by Kelsey Rose Seibel (25) of Waldport, collided with the driver’s side of the ambulance.
The operator of the Kia (Seibel) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Kia, a juvenile male (16), suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Neither occupant of the Kia was properly restrained and airbags failed to deploy.
The ambulance operator (Wittmier) and passenger, Osmo Kalevi Larmi III (45) of Newberg, were not injured. There was no patient in the ambulance at the time of the collision.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Yachats Fire, Central Coast Fire and Rescue, Life Flight, and ODOT.
Bull elk left to waste
OSP Fish and Wildlife asking for public assistance – Lincoln County (Photo) – 01/10/24
OSP Fish and Wildlife Seeking Public Assistance in Waste of Bull Elk
Bull elk left to waste in Lincoln County
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 10 Jan. 2024 – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a bull elk in Lincoln County.
On Jan. 8, 2024, Fish and Wildlife troopers from the Newport office responded to a report of a bull elk shot and killed in a clearing near milepost 4 on Harlan Road. The carcass was located approximately 100 yards from a Weyerhauser gate above Harlan Road. The bull elk is believed to have been shot the night before. The bull elk had two hindquarters removed from the carcass and the majority of the meat was left to waste.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP008527.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
NR_1-8-24_F_and_W_Umatilla_County_Cold_Springs_Reservoir__and__Kosmos_Rd.JPG
OSP Fish and Wildlife Division asks for public’s help to identify poachers – Umatilla County (Photo) – 01/09/24
OSP Fish and Wildlife Division asks for public’s help to identify poachers
Unlawful take and waste of cow elk near Cold Springs Reservoir and Kosmos Road
UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 8 Dec. 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take and waste of multiple cow elk in Umatilla County.
On Jan. 6, 2024, Fish and Wildlife troopers received a report of three dead cow elk located on private property in the Columbia Basin Unit near Cold Springs Reservoir and Kosmos Road. The three elk had been shot the night before. All three cows were left to waste.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number is SP24006650.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Hood River County, Ore. 05 Jan. 2024– On Friday, January 5, 2024, at 8:59 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash just off westbound Interstate 84 exit 62, in Hood River County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Colorado, operated by Miranda Kaylyn Archer (36) of Goldendale (WA), was traveling westbound on Interstate 84 when it took the Exit 62 off-ramp. The Chevrolet left the roadway on the exit ramp, went over the guardrail, and down an embankment. The vehicle came to rest on its roof in the parking lot of the Columbia River Villas.
The operator (Archer) was declared deceased at the scene.
A male juvenile (13) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital.
The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. At this time, speed is a suspected contributing factor to the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Hood River Police Department, Hood River Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Fire, and ODOT.
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
K-9 Unit
Traffic stop leads to seizure of 100 lbs. of crystal meth (Photo) – 01/08/24
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 8 Dec. 2024 – An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop in Douglas County led to the seizure of 100 pounds of methamphetamine.
On Jan. 4, 2024, at approximately 12:15 p.m., an OSP K-9 team stopped a vehicle on Interstate 5 northbound in Douglas County for a traffic violation. A K-9 was deployed to sniff the outside of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal drugs.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a total of 100 pounds of crystal meth located in two large bags in the vehicle’s trunk.
The stop resulted in the arrest of two suspects including the vehicle operator Edgar Rene Revolorio (28) of San Bernadino, CA, and passenger Surely Nalley Molina Escalante (35) also of San Bernadino, CA.
The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available for release at this time.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
On Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at approximately 5:27 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a multiple-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 5, near milepost 35, in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that the Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Helen Marie Cain (64) of Central Point, crashed into the center wire barrier for unknown reasons. The initial crash led to multiple subsequent crashes within the same scene. A total of nine vehicles from the crash scene were damaged.
The operator of a Toyota Tercel, Douglas James Flood (81) of Gold Hill, was pronounced deceased following transport to a local hospital. Flood was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The operator of the Chevrolet Suburban (Cain) and Courtney Marie Clark (38) of Grants Pass, the driver of a Ford Focus involved in the crash, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Six additional vehicles were damaged in the crash with no reported injuries:
- Mercedes Van operated by Darren Mitchell Brown (36) of Lebanon
- Honda CR-V operated by Brandi Lynn Teske Williams (56) of Grants Pass
- Ford F-150 operated by Leo Jackson (71) of Central Point
- Honda Civic operated by Frances Hammond (76) of Eugene
- Honda CR-V operated by Erich Martin Buer (53) of Grants Pass
- Ford Mustang operated by Kody Aaron Cox (47) of Grants Pass
The freeway was impacted, and traffic was detoured, for approximately five hours due to the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Fire Department, Mercy Flights, Central Point Police Department, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
On Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy. 101, near milepost 291, in Curry County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Corolla, operated by Josiah James Selvy (19) of Port Orford, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 101 when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Chevy 2500 pulling a 26-foot trailer.
The driver of the Chevy, Leslie Lewis Martin (80) of Clearlake (WA), swerved to avoid the Toyota, however, was stopped by the guardrail. The Toyota was pushed back into the southbound lane where it stopped.
Selvy, the operator of the Toyota, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Martin, the operator of the Chevy, and a passenger were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two dogs in the vehicle were taken to a local animal rescue for temporary care.
The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours. OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Sixes River Fire Department, Langlois Fire Department, Cal Ore Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Vandalized road signs
OSP Seeking Information — Wasco County – Vandalism (Photo) – 01/04/24
OSP Seeking Information – Wasco County – Vandalism
Vandalized road signs
WASCO COUNTY, Ore. 03 Jan. 2024 – On Dec. 21, 2023, Oregon State Police responded to a report of multiple road signs that had been cut down and removed in Wasco County. The investigation determined that seven Oregon Department of Transportation Road signs had been removed sometime between Dec. 15-20, 2023. Signs were removed from US 97, OR 293, and OR 218 in Wasco County. The signs were discarded on OR 293 near milepost 3. The estimated repair cost for each sign is approximately $500.
OSP is asking anyone who may have information related to this incident to call dispatch at *677 and reference case number SP23-400394.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
The correct name for the suspect is Fullington William Frazer III (22)
On Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at approximately 7:51 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 224 westbound near SE Freeman Way in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Dodge Caliber operated by Fallington William Frazer III, 22, of Oregon City, was traveling northbound on Highway 224 and ran a red light. The Dodge Caliber crashed into a gray Subaru Forester and a silver Toyota Prius traveling westbound causing the Subaru to crash into a steel utility pole.
The driver of the Subaru, Fleetwood Mars Mozee, 37, of Multnomah was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Dodge Caliber, Mitchell Scott Barr, 24, of Milwaukie was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver and passenger of the Prius were not injured.
Frazer was transported to a local hospital with injuries. He was arrested for manslaughter, DUII, reckless driving, and reckless endangering.
Highway 224 was impacted for approximately seven hours. Oregon State Police was assisted by Milwaukie Police Department, Clackamas County Fire, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
UPDATE: 12/29/23
On October 12, 2023 at approximately 7:32pm, Jesse Carl Ross, 43, of Corvallis, MT was driving a Chevy Silverado northbound on the highway when he crossed the center line, sideswiped a southbound semi-truck and trailer and struck a Toyota RAV4 driven by Gary Rutledge, 57, head-on. The SUV caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames after the crash. The crash occurred about two miles south of Terrebonne. Gary Rutledge, his wife Michelle, 53, and their two children, Kate, 15, and Ryan, 17, both Reynolds High School students, died at the scene. They were on their way to view the solar eclipse in Central Oregon.
Ross was indicted on 4 Counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree in Deschutes County and a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest. Ross turned himself to the Deschutes County Jail on 12/26/2023. Ross is facing other charges of DUII, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering.
Ross was arraigned on 12/28/2023 and bail was kept at $2 Million.
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:27 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 118, in Deschutes County.
All fatal traffic crashes are tragic. When an entire family is lost, the tragic becomes the horrific.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Jesse Carl Ross (43) of Corvallis (MT), was northbound when it crossed the center line, sideswiped a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Thiara Onkar Singh (50) of Livingston (CA), and then struck a Toyota Rav4, operated by Gary J Rutledge (57) of Troutdale, head on. The Toyota subsequently caught fire and became fully engulfed.
The operator of the Toyota, Gary Rutledge, and passengers- Michelle Jean Windsor Rutledge (53), Kate Rutledge (15), and Ryan Rutledge (17)- were all declared deceased at the scene. All of the deceased were related as immediate family members.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Ross) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Kenworth (Singh) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The Oregon State Police is working with the district attorney’s office in continuance of the investigation.
OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire, Redmond PD, and ODOT.
OSP is requesting any witnesses to this crash contact the Oregon State Police at *OSP and reference case SP23326671.
Graphic Photo
Enhanced Patrols Planned for Josephine County New Year’s Eve (Photo) – 12/28/23
Enhanced Patrols Planned for Josephine County New Year’s Eve
Multi-agency effort to curb impaired driving
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. 28 Dec. 2023 – Oregon State Police is partnering with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Grants Police Department to increase patrols on New Year’s Eve throughout Josephine County. This is a high priority holiday, as Josephine County has experienced higher than normal rates of intoxicated drivers over New Year’s Eve in the past.
Officers, deputies, and troopers will be focusing on DUII and other Fatal-5 violations that are statistically shown to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes. Fatal 5 violations include:
- Speed
- Occupant Safety
- Lane Usage
- Impaired Driving
- Distracted Driving
In 2023 alone (Jan 1-Dec 21), OSP has arrested more than 2,657 suspects for DUII statewide. This is up 2.5 percent from 2022 with 2,593 arrests. In 2023, OSP has arrested approximately 355 suspects for DUII in Josephine and Jackson counties with 200 arrests in Jackson County and 155 arrests in Josephine County.
OSP station commanders in southern Oregon have shared that impaired driving has become a prolific problem in the region. They are asking for the public’s help in reducing impaired driving to keep Oregonians safe while traveling this holiday season.
In addition to this targeted southern Oregon saturation patrol, OSP will have extra troopers focused on impaired driving throughout the state on New Year’s Eve. If you plan to consume impairing substances, always make plans for a sober ride home such as taxis or ride share apps or designating a completely sober driver.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
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