OSP Fish and Wildlife Division reminds hunters to have the appropriate tags on hand when hunting

Oregon Hunting Licensing and Tag Requirements
OSP Fish and Wildlife Division reminds hunters to have the appropriate tags on hand when hunting

SALEM, Ore. 28 Oct. 2023 – Oregon big game hunting seasons are well underway and the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is reminding hunters how to keep their hunt legal. In Oregon, hunters must have a valid big game tag in their possession for the species and area they are hunting. Both paper and electronic tags are recognized. 

Over the past few months, troopers have encountered numerous hunters without big game tags in their possession. In many situations, the hunters utilizing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) electronic licensing app had failed to redeem their tag voucher. The most common issues are hunters with a Sports Pac who forget to redeem the appropriate tag voucher or hunters who had successfully drawn a controlled hunt and then failed to purchase the electronic big game tag for that hunt or species. 

With Oregon’s general and controlled rifle elk seasons coming up in November, OSP is reminding hunters to double-check the electronic licensing app for the correct tags for their planned hunts. Within the app, valid big game tags will be displayed within each hunter’s recreation portfolio. 

For those opting to use paper licenses and big game tags, be sure the tag is legible and in their possession when hunting. Successful hunters must immediately validate the tag per the instructions on the paper tag, or within the ELS application. The MyODFW app is available for download for both iOS and Android phones and allows hunters to validate their tag even when outside of cellphone reception areas. 

ODFW license requirements include: 

• Valid hunting license.
  • Hunting licenses are valid beginning January 1, or from the time of purchase if after January 1, through December 31 of the document year.
• No one may possess more than one valid annual hunting license.
• To hunt big game, an individual must have in their possession a big game tag, either electronic or paper, valid for the dates, area, and species being hunted.
• Any documents in possession, either electronic or paper, must be accessible immediately upon request by ODFW staff or law enforcement.

For additional information about big game hunting and hunting and angling regulations, visit the ODFW website or OSP’s Fish and Wildlife website.

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Bend Crash Highlights Dangers of Driving Impaired (Photo) – 10/27/23

Bend Crash Highlights Dangers of Driving Impaired
Head on crash on US 97 caused by suspected impaired driver

BEND, Ore. 19 Oct. 2023 – Oregon State troopers from the Bend Area Command recently responded to a head-on crash caused by a suspected impaired driver. This crash, and subsequent DUII arrests, highlight the dangers of impaired driving and the potential for serious injuries and fatalities on Oregon’s highways. 

On Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, a two-vehicle crash occurred on US 97 near milepost 129. At approximately 10:30 p.m. an intoxicated driver, driving a Jeep Wrangler, was headed northbound and crossed into oncoming southbound traffic, and struck a Kia Soul head-on. The collision blocked all four lanes of US 97 for 1.5 hours. 

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Tomas Santizo Romairo (39) of Redmond, was arrested for DUII. He sustained minor injuries and was admitted to a local hospital. In addition to DUII, the suspect was arrested for reckless driving and recklessly endangering. The driver of the Kia Soul was transported via ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

While troopers were investigating the crash, a second impaired driver was discovered in the line of traffic. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspect for DUII and an outstanding warrant. 

OSP’s Bend Area Command has investigated numerous serious injury and fatal DUII-related crashes in the last year. As part of the agency’s commitment to reduce fatal traffic crashes, troopers across the state focus on the Fatal-5 driving behaviors that contribute to the majority of all motor vehicle crashes. In addition to impaired driving, other Fatal-5 behaviors include speed, occupant safety, lane safety, and distracted driving. 

In Sept. 2023, Bend area troopers had 664 traffic contacts for Fatal-5 violations. Statewide, troopers arrested 265 suspected impaired drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approximately 37 people per day die in drunk driving crashes – that’s one person every 39 minutes. They report that about 31 percent of traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve impaired drivers. 

Impaired driving crashes are preventable. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and never drive impaired with any substance. To make it home safely designate a sober driver, use public transportation, call a sober friend or family member, or use a ride-share service or taxi. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911. 

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Oregon State Trooper and motorist struck by suspected impaired driver during traffic stop near Roseburg (Photo) – 10/27/23

Update- Added additional photo format.

Oregon State Trooper and motorist struck by suspected impaired driver during traffic stop near Roseburg

On Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., an Oregon State Police patrol sergeant stopped a motorist for a traffic violation on Hwy 138E, facing westbound near milepost 10, in Douglas County.  

During the traffic stop, an eastbound motorist crossed multiple lanes of travel and crashed head-on into the stopped vehicle. The operator of the stopped vehicle was critically injured. The patrol sergeant miraculously only suffered minor injuries and the suspect suffered minor injuries.  All of the involved were transported for medical evaluation and treatment.

Limited information is available for release at this time due to the ongoing criminal investigation.  The Oregon State Police is conducting an investigation into the potential impairment of the suspect impaired driver. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 12:02 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 271, in Marion County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Toyota Corolla, operated by Elvin Miranda Martinez (28) of Junction City, was the subject of several driving complaints and had crashed into the center median, near milepost 293 on I5.  As OSP units were responding, the suspect vehicle left the scene of the original crash and continued southbound at high speeds, striking the median again before eventually becoming disabled in the median.  A concerned motorist stopped to check on the suspect when the suspect attempted to take the motorists vehicle keys.  As Woodburn Police officers arrived on scene, the suspect fled on foot across the northbound lanes and was struck by a Honda CR-V.

The suspect (Martinez) was transported to a local hospital and was later declared deceased by hospital personnel.

The operator of the Honda was not injured and was cooperative with investigators.

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

OSP was assisted by the Woodburn Fire Department, Woodburn Police Department, Hubbard Police Department, and ODOT.

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 3:27 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 63, in Tillamook County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Dodge Ram, operated by a female juvenile (17), veered into the northbound lane and struck a Toyota Tundra, operated by Christopher Frank Armitage (38) of Garibaldi, head-on.

The operator of the Dodge was declared deceased at the scene.  The operator was not wearing a seatbelt.

The operator of the Toyota (Armitage) suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Tillamook Police Department, Tillamook Fire, and ODOT. 

Correction- Date- October 19

On Thursday, September 19, 2023, at 9:40 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 293, in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Mitsubishi Mirage, operated by Rebecca Anne Markle (43) of Caldwell (ID), was in the slow lane when it struck the rear end of a Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Victor Maldonado (44) of Fruitland (ID), causing major damage to the Mitsubishi.

The operator of the Mitsubishi (Markle) and a passenger, a female juvenile (16), were seriously injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

A passenger of the Mitsubishi, Philip Wayne Markle (19) of Nampa (ID), was declared deceased at the scene. The deceased was identified as the son of the operator.

Neither passenger in the Mitsubishi was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The operator of the Peterbilt (Maldonado) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Baker Ambulance, Life Flight, and ODOT.

OSP and PPB Cooperative Enforcement effort at Governor Kotek’s direction nets 7 Arrests for Delivery of Controlled Substances in a single day – 

On Wednesday, October 18, a cooperative effort as a part of Governor Kotek’s directive to enhance strategic fentanyl enforcement between the Oregon State Police (OSP) and Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) Central Bike Squad resulted in several arrests and citations related to criminal drug sales and weapons possession. OSP and PPB were joined by members of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Justice Department (AUSA) to assist.

This joint operation resulted in seven arrests for the Delivery of a Controlled Substance (fentanyl), one arrest for the Possession of a Controlled Substance (fentanyl), and two of the arrestees had an additional charge for the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Additionally, several thousand dollars in currency and approximately 500 grams of powdered fentanyl were seized.

All of these enforcement actions took place in an area of approximately 12 blocks with a concentration of these arrests in a much smaller area.

All the arrested suspects were lodged in the Multnomah County Jail. Of the suspects, all were male- seven adults and one juvenile.

 “Collaborative patrols between PPB and OSP are having some success. We remain committed to supporting our partners at PPB and helping in their efforts to bring a sense of safety to the downtown core by disrupting and deterring dangerous criminal actions and working to break the deadly grasp of fentanyl in our communities. We are also grateful for the assistance of our county and federal partners in this effort.” – Superintendent Casey Codding.

On Monday, October 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 38, in Multnomah County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Prius, operated by Jamal Haji Hassan Kimo (44) of Keizer, was westbound when it began to hydroplane on standing water on the roadway.  The Toyota struck the northern guardrail of the interstate and reentered the westbound lanes of travel.  The Toyota entered the path of a westbound Freightliner (commercial motor vehicle) and trailer, operated by Angelo Cappello (63) of Bangor (ME), and was struck on the drivers’ side door.

The operator of the Toyota (Kimo) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Cappello) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.

On Friday, October 13, 2023, at 8:44 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 263, in Marion County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Honda CRV, operated by Michael James Stevenson (45) of Salem, struck a pedestrian, Arnulfo Acosta Chavez (52) Aurora, who was crossing the interstate.  

The pedestrian (Chavez) was declared deceased at the scene.

The Honda operator (Michael Stevenson) and passenger, Laura Ann Stevenson (53) of Salem, suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The vehicle operator remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.

OSP was assisted by the Woodburn Fire and ODOT.

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.

Oregon State Police to Enhance Highway Patrols Oct. 14-16
OSP’s High Visibility Enforcement Unit will enhance patrols for sporting event and solar eclipse traffic

Salem, Ore. 13 Oct. 2023 – The Oregon State Police (OSP) will be enhancing patrol efforts along Oregon’s highways near Corvallis and areas in the annular solar eclipse viewing area this weekend. Both incidents are expected to bring increased traffic to Oregon’s highways and an increased risk of traffic collisions. 

OSP’s presence will be focused on reducing and preventing DUIIs and Fatal-5-related traffic crashes. The Fatal-5 includes violations that are statistically proven to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes. Categories include: 

• Speed
• Occupant Safety
• Lane Usage 
• Impaired Driving 
• Distracted Driving 

OSU Homecoming Game 
On Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, Oregon State University will host its annual Homecoming Football game against UCLA. This sell-out game is expected to attract attendees from all over Oregon, as well as out-of-state visitors. Game time is 5 p.m. and heavy traffic is expected three to four hours ahead of the game and for post-game travel. Large amounts of vehicle and foot traffic are also expected in the Corvallis downtown district. Troopers will be concentrating on traffic violations on roadways near the university and augmenting local agencies as needed.

Annular Solar Eclipse 
Oregon sits in a prime viewing path for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse (Ring of Fire) which is expected to pass through the state at about 9:19 a.m. Southwest Oregon, including Klamath Lake and Crater Lake, have been identified as two of the premier viewing locations in the nation. The region is expected to see an influx of attendees from across Oregon and out of state for numerous eclipse day viewing events and a multi-day festival in Klamath County. Troopers will be focused on facilitating a safe travel experience for visitors throughout the eclipse weekend with the goal of reducing and preventing Fatal-5-related traffic crashes or crashes resulting from hazardous, reckless, or impaired driving behaviors.

OSP encourages motorists to plan ahead as they get to and from planned destinations and offers the following safety tips: 

• Know before you go
  • Check road and weather conditions before you leave home. 
  • Have a map of your destination and share your travel plans with family and friends. 
• Be self-sufficient 
  • Head out with a full tank of gas and fill up along the way. 
  • Bring water and snacks in case of prolonged highway travel or stops. 
  • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle. 
• Appropriate clothing 
  • Layer up and have appropriate outwear in case of cold or rainy weather. 
  • If you’re headed to the annular solar eclipse, protect your eyes with eclipse glasses. Eyes and retinas can be damaged without proper eyewear. 

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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 Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 1:56 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-361, near milepost 12, in Jefferson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Camry, operated by Maria Calderon (54) of Metolius, was traveling southbound when it attempted to negotiate a corner at a high rate of speed.  The Toyota crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Ford Focus, operated by Melonie Dawn Aldred (51) of Culver, head on.  

The operator of the Toyota (Calderon) was extricated and life flighted with serious injuries.

The operator of the Ford (Aldred) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation.  This investigation is on-going.

OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras PD, and ODOT.

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 6:05 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy-138E, near milepost 21, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford F-350, operated by Douglas Floyd (70) of Middleton (ID), was traveling westbound when it lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree.  The occupants of the vehicle were extricated by first responders and transported to a local hospital.

The operator (Douglas Floyd) was declared deceased after being transported to the hospital.

A passenger in the Ford, Kimberly Colleen Floyd (62) of Middleton (ID), suffered minor injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by Glide Fire, Umpqua Ambulance, and ODOT.

Oregon State Police Intercept Illegal Drugs on I-5
K-9 officers seize 80,000 fentanyl pills, 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 92 pounds of cocaine

SALEM, Ore. 13 Oct. 2023 – Recently, Oregon State Police (OSP) K-9 officers have seized significant quantities of illegal drugs bound for distribution. The effort is part of a targeted campaign to intercept these deadly substances before they reach the street. 

Traffic stops on I-5, in Linn County, led to the seizure of 80,000 fentanyl pills, 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 92 pounds of cocaine within 30 days. During each investigation, as part of the enforcement action, the trooper became suspicious of the occupants’ behavior and obtained lawful authority to search the vehicle. 

• On Aug. 29, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a trooper stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on I-5 north, in Linn County. A search of the vehicle was conducted and the trooper located approximately 70,000 suspected fentanyl pills hidden in a backpack in the vehicle’s trunk. 
• On Aug. 31, 2023, at approximately 9:55 a.m., a trooper stopped a vehicle on I-5 north, in Linn County. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper located several packages that contained a total of 14.1 pounds of fentanyl powder.
• On Sept. 28, 2023, a trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 north, in Linn County. A K-9 was deployed, alerted to the odor of narcotics and a search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. During the vehicle search more than 10,000 fentanyl pills and 92 pounds of cocaine were seized. 

Criminal charges in each case have been referred to the appropriate jurisdiction for prosecution.

OSP reminds the public of the danger of illicit drug use, which is the leading cause of injury deaths in Oregon. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or is in crisis, help is available. Call or text “988” or visit 988lifeline.org to chat. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free and confidential support. 

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About the Oregon State Police K-9 Program 
The Oregon State Police K-9 program includes explosives, fish and wildlife, and drug detection K-9s. A variety of dog breeds are included in the program including Blood Hound, Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Belgian Malinois. K-9s are selected based on the dog’s personality, high drive, workability, and intense desire for tracking and detection. K-9 teams assist in detecting illegal drugs, recovering stolen property, and arresting wanted persons on Oregon’s highways and in local communities. These teams work closely with other troopers, drug enforcement detectives, as well as city, county, and federal law enforcement agencies.

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 10:31 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-42, near milepost 75, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Jeep Cherokee, operated by Peggy Long (52) of Winston, was on Landers Ave stopped at the stop sign.  The Jeep turned eastbound onto Hwy-42 and entered the path of a westbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Dustin Kirk Carroll (37) of Roseburg, in the slow lane. The motorcycle struck the side of the Jeep and ejected the rider.

The Harley Davidson operator (Carroll) was declared deceased at the scene.

The Jeep operator (Long) was not injured.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.  The investigation is on-going at this time.

OSP was assisted by Winston PD, Fire District 2, Winston Fire, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 12:14 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-47, near milepost 22.5, in Washington County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota C-HR, operated by Emily Simora (70) of Beaverton, was stopped on Springhill Rd. facing westbound when it turned southbound onto Hwy-47.  The Toyota entered the path of a northbound BMW motorcycle, operated by Chris William Garfield (44) of Forest Grove, resulting in a side impact collision.

The operator of the motorcycle (Garfield) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger, a juvenile female, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The operator of the Toyota (Simora) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Gaston Fire Department, Washington County SO, Forest Grove PD, and ODOT.

On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 12:23 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on HWY-22, near milepost 23, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Mustang was eastbound at a high rate of speed when it lost control, left the highway, and struck an embankment.  Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle.

David Lee Nelson (55), of Salem, was declared deceased at the scene.

David James Nelson (23), of Salem, suffered minor injury and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.  At this time, speed and potential impairment are being considered the primary causes of the crash.

OSP was assisted by Salem PD, Polk County Sheriff’s Department, and ODOT.

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 9:51 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy-22, near milepost 22, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda Civic, operated by Abraham Hernandez Perez (19) of Gervais, was traveling eastbound when it struck a pedestrian, Jose Romero Cruz (41) of Dallas, who was in the lane of travel.

The pedestrian (Romero Cruz) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Honda operator (Hernandez Perez) suffered minor injuries and was transported for medical treatment.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Fire Department, Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office, Polk County District Attorney’s Office, and ODOT.

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Oregon State Police F&W requesting public assistance- Jefferson County (Photo) – 10/09/23

Oregon State Police F&W requesting public assistance- Jefferson County

On Monday, September 11, 2023, Oregon State Troopers responded to the report of a dead buck deer that was found left to waste in the Three Rivers Community, Jefferson County.  It was determined the buck deer was shot three times with a bow, two arrows were located still in the buck deer.  No meat was salvaged from the buck and the antlers were still attached.  The Oregon State Police is requesting the publics assistance with identifying the person(s) responsible for the wasting of the buck deer.  

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 SP23-290482.

***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 Cash Rewards:

* $2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose

* $1,000 Elk, Deer, and Antelope

* $600 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)

* $200 Game Birds or Furbearers

* $200 Spotlighting

* $200 Snagging/Attempting to Snag

* $200 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) 

CORRECTION– The operator of the Freightliner, Clayton Grant Kenyon (67) of Washougal (WA), was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Kia, John Walker Yost (51) of Oregon City, suffered minor injuries.

On Monday, October 2, 2023, at approximately 5:20 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 45.5, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kia Soul, operated by John Walker Yost (51) of Oregon City, crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Clayton Grant Kenyon (67) of Washougal (WA).  The collision caused the Freightliner to leave the roadway and hit several trees. The Kia spun and came to rest on the shoulder of the roadway.

The operator of the Freightliner (Yost) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Kia (Kenyon) and passenger, Joshua Allen Anthony (45) of Oregon City, suffered minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately 10 hours during the on-scene investigation.  Kenyon remained on scene and was cooperating with investigators.  

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau Increased Visibility Patrols Pilot Launches                  

This morning, several members of the Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau met for a joint briefing, prior to deploying multiple bike teams in Downtown Portland.  These teams went out to provide high-visibility enforcement and enhance public safety in strategic areas of the city – a collaborative effort as a part of Governor Tina Kotek’s directive for Oregon State Police to launch several new fentanyl strategic enforcement and disruption strategies statewide. 

The following is a list of actions these teams were able to take on day one: issued controlled substance citations, arrested wanted fugitives, arrested a fentanyl dealer, processed drug evidence, deployed Narcan at least once, and interacted with dozens of downtown Portland business owners and visitors.

The reported actions from day one are an indication of OSP’s commitment to making our communities safer and a single component of our strategic efforts to collaborate across jurisdictions in order to disrupt the distribution and circulation of fentanyl in our communities.

Oregon State Police arrests Connecticut murder suspect- Josephine County

On October 4, 2023, Oregon State Police detectives assisted the Connecticut State Police with locating and apprehending a murder suspect in Josephine County. Christopher Suarez (31) was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a nationwide warrant for murder related to a Connecticut shooting that occurred in February of 2023. 

During the investigation, it was determined Suarez was associated with an illegal marijuana grow in the Merlin area. A search warrant was served on the illegal marijuana grow with assistance from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. During the execution of the search warrant, four greenhouses and 796 marijuana plants were located and destroyed.  Additionally, six grams of cocaine, three packages of methamphetamine, and unidentified orange pills were located and seized. 

Further information is not available for release at this time due to the on-going investigation.

On Friday, September 29, 2023, at approximately 5:40 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on HWY-20, near milepost 92, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda Accord, operated by Timothy Shannon Forgett (57) of Boise (ID), was traveling eastbound when the operator lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway.  The vehicle struck a tree on the eastbound shoulder.  

The operator (Forgett) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by Black Butte Fire and ODOT.

UPDATE-

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is providing an update to the active officer involved shooting investigation in Polk County.

The suspect vehicle was occupied by the following:

              Isaac Ivan Ocegueda (18) of Carlton- Declared deceased at the scene.

              Jose Manuel Coral Zavala (20) of Salem

              Female Juvenile (17)

The Polk County Deputy has been identified as Deputy Mike Smith; an 8 year veteran of the agency, who has been placed on administrative leave per SB111 protocols.

During the investigation, limited information is available for release in order to preserve the investigation itself. 

OSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Polk County

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is actively investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office- in accordance with SB111 protocols.

On Saturday, September 30, at approximately 1:30 A.M., an Independence Police Officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled.  The pursuit ended after officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle, and the suspect fled on foot. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located the suspect as he attempted to flee the area in another vehicle. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, striking a Polk County Deputy and law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in response. 

As a result of the gunfire exchange, one suspect is deceased, another is injured, and the original suspect has been arrested. 

There is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public at this time.

Due to the on-going investigation, further details are currently unavailable.  All future releases will come from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 8:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles on Interstate-84, near milepost 226, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ruslan Basarab (49) of Renton (WA), was traveling in the slow lane when it struck the rear-end of Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Francisco Rivera Atilano Jr. (20) of Hermiston.  

The primary commercial motor vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision and burned so badly it was unidentifiable. The operator was removed from the vehicle and later declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. 

The operator of the Peterbilt was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, and ODOT.