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OSP seeks public assistance in locating a suspect vehicle- Douglas County06/05/23

On Monday, May 29, 2023, at 10:24 PM, a shooting was reported on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 124, in Douglas County.  Oregon State Police detectives developed a suspect in the case: Ryan Lucas MacArt (33), of Winston, OR. 

On Friday, June 2, 2023, with assistance from OSP SWAT, detectives arrested MacArt for Attempted Assault 1, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Menacing. MacArt was lodged at the Douglas County Jail. 

At the time of the shooting, MacArt was an occupant in a white, 2004 Honda Pilot bearing Oregon license plate 239NRX.  This vehicle was also involved in ramming the victim’s vehicle and will have driver’s side damage.  The Honda Pilot has not been located by investigators and assistance from the public is being requested in order to locate the vehicle. 

Anyone with information about the Honda Pilot’s whereabouts is requested to contact the Oregon State Police at *OSP and reference Case # SP23-159247. Image below not actual vehicle but for reference only.

Investigators are unable to release further information at this time.

Bluetooth and iPhone/iPod/AUX Kits for Honda Pilot 2003-2005 – GTA Car Kits

Fatal Crash – HWY 126E – Linn County06/05/23

On Friday, June 2, 2023, at approximately 8:53 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 126, near milepost 13, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Toyota pickup, operated by Frederick Albert Dawson (40) of Eugene, was traveling eastbound on 126E, near milepost 13, when the operator attempted to make a left turn into a campground. A black Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Sean Michael Lenninger (46) of Coquille, was traveling eastbound behind the white Toyota and attempted to pass the pickup on the left. The motorcycle clipped the front driver side of the pickup and left the roadway.  

The motorcycle operator was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel.  

The operator of the Toyota was transported by medics to the University District Hospital in Eugene with minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 1 hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by McKenzie Fire and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 199- Josephine County06/02/23

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, at approximately 11:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 199, near milepost 5.5, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Ford Fusion, operated by Courtney L. Parsons (26) of Rogue River, was southbound in the fast lane. A white GMC Sierra, operated by Ervin Besler (87) of Grants Pass, failed to properly clear traffic while turning left from Robinson Rd onto northbound Hwy 199. The Fusion impacted the driver side of the GMC in a T-bone collision. 

The operator of the GMC (Besler) was declared deceased on scene. 

The operator of the Ford (Parsons) was transported by AMR to the hospital.  Two passengers in the Ford, John D. McCollum (25) of Myrtle Point and Matthew J. Balise (19) of West Springfield (MA), were also transported by AMR to the hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by AMR, Rural Metro Fire, and ODOT.

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Update- Statistics -Memorial Day Travel advisory (Photo)05/31/23

Here are the statistics from OSP’s 2023 Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29, 2023)­ that occurred across Oregon.   This includes the Friday, “All Patrol Day”. Where all sworn members travel the highways to increase our patrol presence during the busy weekend.

The Oregon State Police has a wide range of programs and specialties our sworn ranks are in charge of, such as major crimes, tribal gaming, lottery security, arson, collision reconstruction, fish & wildlife, explosives, K-9, aviation, and more. OSP leadership makes it a priority that at the end of the day, all sworn to stay in tune and up to date with why the Oregon State Police was founded to keep our highways safe.

Calls for Services – 2,417  
Reported Crashes- 210 
Routine Contacts- 4,180

Total number of warnings/citations for OSP’s Fatal 5
Speed- 2,415 
Occupant Safety- 195
Lane Safety- 525 
Impaired Driving- 25 
Distracted Driving- 69 
All Other- 2,570

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This Memorial Day Weekend, whether you are headed to the beach, camping, visiting family, or just commuting to work, remember highways are going to be filled with people doing the same. No matter what your plans are on this Memorial Day weekend, we can guarantee that there will be a rise in the number of cars on Oregon’s highways.

The Oregon State Police takes these historically high-traffic weekends to have what we call an “All Patrol Day”. All Patrol Day for OSP is the day that all sworn members travel the highways to increase our patrol presence during these busy weekends.

The Oregon State Police has a wide range of programs and specialties our sworn ranks are in charge of, such as major crimes, tribal gaming, lottery security, arson, collision reconstruction, fish & wildlife, explosives, K-9, aviation, and more. OSP leadership makes it a priority that at the end of the day, all sworn members need to stay in tune and up-to-date with why the Oregon State Police was founded to keep our highways safe.

OSP is one of many Law Enforcement agencies that will be out in force trying to ensure that all travelers are getting to their destination safely.  

We want everyone to be safe when they are traveling, so we suggest that you follow these simple tips.  Please, plan ahead, be prepared, and above all else be patient.

– Timing your departure can make all the difference. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination without getting frustrated when heavy traffic puts a pause on your travels.

– Know your routes and options if you come across detours or construction. OSP likes to encourage all drivers in Oregon to use the Oregon Department of Transportation www.tripcheck.com.

– Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped and in good working order to avoid maintenance emergencies

– If you are traveling with children, have something to keep them occupied. Games, snacks, and pillows for sleeping will not only keep them occupied, but they will keep your attention where it is needed, on the road.

Oregon State Troopers will be focusing on maintaining the flow of traffic as well as enforcing all traffic laws but especially the Fatal 5. These 5 major categories of driving behaviors contribute to most fatal or serious injury crashes.

• SPEED
• OCCUPANT SAFETY
• LANE SAFETY
• IMPAIRED DRIVING
• DISTRACTED DRIVING

If you will be one of the many traveling this weekend, remember that OSP will be out in force. 

Drive safe!

Additional Safety Messaging in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation. The month of May highlights many national transportation safety messages. The big takeaway from all the campaigns is to drive, bike, and ride thoughtfully. Watch out for fellow road users and our maintenance and construction crews. Remember to slow down and move over to give our emergency responders space to safely do their jobs.  

Fatal Crash- HWY 62 – Jackson County05/30/23

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at approximately 5:04 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 62, near milepost 17, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Subaru WRX, operated by Corey Hanley (26) of Central Point, was traveling westbound when it lost control and swerved into the eastbound lane colliding with a white Subaru Crosstrek, operated by Barbara Badger (80) of Shady Cove. 

The operator of the Subaru (Hanley) was transported to the hospital, where he was later declared deceased. 

The operator of the Crosstrek (Badger) was transported to the hospital as a precaution. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 2 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 101- Coos County05/25/23

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at approximately 12:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 252, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Nissan Titan, operated by Heriberto Morado Ledesma (35) of Coos Bay, was traveling north on Highway 101. The Titan was negotiating a curve, drifted into the southbound lane (for unknown reasons), and struck a southbound blue Jeep Cherokee, operated by Vera Lee Belcher (76) of Cottage Grove, head-on. 

The three occupants- Ledesma (operator), Hector Mireles Gallo (35) of Coos Bay and Alberto Ramirez Vazquez (40) of Coos Bay- of the Titan were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment and further medical evaluation. 

The two occupants- Vera Lee Belcher (operator) and Clayton Gene Belcher (78) of Cottage Grove- of the Cherokee were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The investigation is on-going at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Medical Examiner, the Coos County District Attorney, two Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains, Bandon Fire Department, North Bend PD, Coos Bay PD, Coos County SO, Bay Cities Ambulance, and Amling-Schroeder Funeral Service. 

Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Jackson County05/25/23

On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at approximately 8:30 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 21, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chrysler Town and Country, operated by Ruben Nanez (69) of Yreka (CA), was traveling south on the interstate, when for unknown reasons, it drifted off the roadway and impacted a ditch embankment. The van overturned and landed in a small creek. 

Fire and Medical personnel extricated the single male occupant and attempted life saving measures, however the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by Jackson County Fire, ODOT, Phoenix PD, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Fatal Crash – HWY 140E – Klamath County05/25/23

On Monday, May 22, 2023, at approximately 6:21 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 140E, near milepost 16, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Sienna minivan, operated by Guy Robert Attride (51) of Klamath Falls, was westbound when the vehicle went off the roadway for an unknown reason, overcorrected back onto the roadway, and rolled several times before coming to rest on its tires. 

The operator was declared deceased at the scene. 

A female passenger was ejected from the vehicle and transported via Airlink with serious injuries.  The passenger has not been identified at this time.

OSP was assisted by Klamath County Fire District 1 and Bonanza Fire.

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OSP Grants Pass Office Leading a Patrol Saturation on Highway 199 — Josephine County (Photo)05/24/23

Update from the Grants Pass Area Command Saturation Patrol. 

For two days, May 18 & 19, 2023, roughly 23 OSP Troopers were on Highway 199 between Grants Pass and the California border to target OSP’s “Fatal Five” which are 5 dangerous driving behaviors known to be contributing factors to serious injury and fatal crashes.

OSP refers to the Fatal Five as 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃- Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Safety, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. During that patrol, of the over 500 traffic stops that were initiated the following warnings/citations were issued:

𝐒peed 311 

𝐎ccupant Safety 33 

𝐋ane Safety 36

𝐈mpaired Driving 1 

𝐃istracted Driving 12 

And all other 231

Immediately following this high visibility Patrol, Troopers over the weekend noticed a significant change in driving behavior including decreased number of drivers speeding. 

The Oregon State Police stays ever so diligent in keeping drivers safe in Oregon. Be a 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃 driver by ensuring you are mindful of the Oregon State Police’s Fatal Five and obey all traffic laws for your safety as well as the safety of everyone else on the highways. 

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The Oregon State Police will be leading a saturation patrol on Highway 199 (Redwood Highway) as we are approaching the highly traveled summer months. On May 18 and May 19, 2023, Oregon State Police Troopers, Grants Pass Police Officers, and Josephine County Sheriff’s Deputies will be enforcing those driving behaviors most commonly contributing to fatal crashes, which we refer to as the FATAL 5. OSP’s Fatal 5 are Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These categories of traffic violations have been proven to be the primary contributors to serious injury/fatal crashes. These enforcement activities will be focused on the entirety of Highway 199, from the California border to the Grants Pass City Center.

The Oregon State Police would like to remind drivers that the Oregon Department of Transportation has designated Highway 199 as a Safety Corridor from milepost 20 to milepost 27.5. Under ORS 811.483, fines for traffic offenses committed in safety corridors are doubled and fines for certain traffic crimes are greatly enhanced.

These heavy enforcement activities will continue to occur throughout the summer months of June, July, and August. 

The Oregon State Police, in conjunction with our agency partners, encourage drivers to drive within the posted speed limits and allow themselves sufficient time to arrive safely at their destination. The primary goal is to ensure that you and your family enjoy a safe commute on Oregon’s highways.

OSP will be posting real-time updates on our Twitter account https://twitter.com/ORStatePolice (@ORStatePolice) on Thursday, May 18 in the evening and Friday, May 19 in the morning.

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Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division investigates unlawful take/possession of big game animals-Clackamas County (Photo)05/23/23

On June 23, 2022, the Oregon State Police executed a search warrant at the residence of Norman Jones. The warrant stemmed from information gathered in a previous search warrant of a co-conspirator which linked Jones to poaching several deer using a rifle. Jones has a prior felony conviction. During the execution of the search warrant the following firearms were seized as evidence; a Winchester model 88, .308 caliber rifle with mounted scope and a Marlin model 550, .22 caliber rifle with a mounted scope which also included a flashlight taped to the barrel.  

In addition to the firearms, Jones possessed a variety of wildlife parts including numerous sets of deer and elk antlers that were still attached to the skull. Jones was unable to provide documentation to show the majority of the antlers or other wildlife parts were lawfully possessed resulting in the seizure of the following wildlife as evidence:

  • 3 spike deer
  • 17 Forked-horn deer (2pt)
  • 19 Three-point deer
  • 18 Four-point deer
  • 2 Bull elk (5×5 and a 4×4)
  • Owl parts, including wings and legs

Prior to being indicted on the previous charges, OSP received additional information that Jones was again in possession of a firearm.

On April 6, 2023, OSP executed another search warrant at Jones’s residence. Seized as evidence during the search warrant was a Savage model 111, .300 Win Mag rifle with scope. 

Jones was subsequently lodged in the Clackamas County Jail.

On April 11, 2023, Jones was indicted by the Clackamas County grand jury on the following charges:

  • Unlawful Possession/Take Big Game Mammal (Class A Misdemeanor) 38 counts
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Class C Felony) 4 counts

Double Fatal Crash – HWY 95 – Malheur County05/22/23

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, at approximately 11:14 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 95, near milepost 25, in Malheur County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2017 Ford Explorer, operated by Ryan Michael Mercer (38) of Springfield (MO), was traveling northbound, in the southbound lane, on US-95 in a no-passing zone. A 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Walter Robert Gilmore (73) of Star (ID), was traveling southbound in the southbound lane followed by a 2022 Ford Edge, operated by Joseph J Luia (37) of Sparks (NV). The Jeep swerved onto the southbound shoulder to avoid a collision with the Ford Explorer and struck a fog marker before coming to a stop. The Ford Explorer and Ford Edge collided in an offset head-on crash in the southbound lane. The Ford Edge continued southbound and came to an uncontrolled rest, along the southbound shoulder, in an upright position. The Ford Explorer continued northbound, entered into a roll-over event before coming to an uncontrolled rest along the southbound shoulder on its driver’s side. 

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

The operator of the Jeep Cherokee (Gilmore) and passenger, Diana Lynn Bonsey-Gilmore (72) of Star (ID), were uninjured during the crash.

The operator of the Ford Edge (Luia) and a rear passenger, Alexander E. Murillo (33) of Reno (NV), were transported with serious injuries.  The front passenger, Felissia A. Luia (37) of Sparks (NV), was injured but not transported.  A rear passenger, Lisa K. Johnson (58) of Sparks (NV), was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was closed for approximately 2 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Jordan Valley Ambulance, and ODOT.

Update: Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Marion County05/22/23

Update:

The following update is for the release of the victims names only.  All other information related to the crash itself will come from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The two victim vehicles parked along the shoulder of Interstate 5 were occupied by the following:

  • Commercial Motor Vehicle
    •  Eduard Netesov (36) of Gresham- uninjured
  • Ford Econoline Van
    • Adan Garcia Garcia (40) of Woodburn- Minor injury
    • Hector Galindo (45) of Gervais- Serious injury
    • Maria Flores Martinez (60) of Salem- Serious injury
    • Jose Eduardo Solis Flores (41) of Gervais- Serious injury
    • Eduardo Lopez (31) of Gervais- Deceased
    • Alejandro Jimenez Hernandez (36) of Gervais- Deceased
    • Josue Garcia Garcia (30) of Salem- Deceased
    • Luis Enrique Gomez Reyes (30) of Woodburn- Deceased
    • Javier Suarez (58) of Woodburn- Deceased
    • Alejandra Espinoza Carpio (39)- Deceased
    • Juan Carlos Leyva Carrillo (37) of Woodburn- Deceased

At this time, the three van occupants with serious injuries are still at medical facilities receiving treatment for their injuries.

The is an active criminal investigation. All further releases of information related to this crash will come from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

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On Thursday, May 18, 2023, at approximately 2:06 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near the Santiam Rest Area, in the northbound lanes.

At this time, OSP will release the following information:

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 when it left the roadway on the east shoulder.  The CMV struck a Ford Econoline passenger van, occupied by 11 people, and pushed the van into another parked CMV.  The force of the crash caused extreme damage to the passenger van.

As a result of the crash, 6 persons in the van were declared deceased at the scene.  One victim from the van was transported by Life Flight and later declared deceased at the hospital. The other four occupants suffered various injuries and were transported via ambulance for medical care.

At this time, we are not releasing the names of the victims until notifications have been confirmed. The victims will be identified in a later update- after notification have been made. 

The operator of the parked CMV was not injured.

The operator of the at-fault CMV, Lincoln Clayton Smith (52) of North Highlands (CA), was transported for medical evaluation.  Smith was later arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, Manslaughter 2 (x7), and Assault 3 (x3).

This is an on-going criminal investigation and additional details regarding the crash will not be released.  Any future press releases, except the victim name update, will come from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

OSP was assisted by Jefferson Fire, Turner Fire, Lebanon Fire, Albany Fire, Life Flight, Falck Ambulance, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains, and ODOT.

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On May 18, 2023, at approximately 2:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to the three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 northbound, near milepost 241 (Santiam Rest Area), in Marion County.

The initial report involves two commercial motor vehicles (semis) and a passenger vehicle.  At this time, there are 7 deceased adults and multiple injured.  The cause of the crash is under investigation at this time.

Expect significant delays on Interstate 5 northbound due to the on-scene investigation.  All traffic should use other routes and avoid the area.  Southbound traffic may also back up- so be alert.

More information will be released after notifications have been made and the on-scene investigation has concluded. This will likely take approximately 24 hours.

Fatal Crash – HWY 30 – Columbia County05/22/23

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at approximately 9:47 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 30, near milepost 35, in Columbia County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Salina Gable Malynn (27) of St Helens, crossed the eastbound lane while attempting to turn onto Butterfield Road. While turning, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was impacted in the passenger side by eastbound 2007 Ford Focus, operated by Steven Bayard Sullivan (34) of Hillsboro, in a “T-bone” type crash. 

The driver of the eastbound Ford Focus (Sullivan) was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the Ford Focus, Danielle Dawn Yoemans (36) of Hillsboro, was declared deceased at the scene. 

The driver of the westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee (Malynn) was uninjured. The passenger of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Katie Ann-Devona Witt (24) of St. Helens, was transported to St. John’s Medical Center in Longview, WA. 

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia City Police Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Grumpy’s Towing.

Fatal Crash – HWY 38 – Douglas County05/19/23

On Wednesday, May 17, at approximately 12:01 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 38, near milepost 8, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a blue Chrysler PT Cruiser, operated by Betty Ann Hodges (79) of Florence, was traveling westbound on Highway 38. The PT Cruiser left the roadway (for unknown reasons), crashed into a tree, and came to an uncontrolled rest. The lone occupant of the vehicle was determined to be deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Douglas County SO (Medical Examiner’s Office), Reedsport Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, ODOT, and Mast Brother’s Towing.

Fatal Crash – HWY 238 – Jackson County05/17/23

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at approximately 10:46 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 238, near milepost 26, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver 2005 Chrysler Seabring, operated by Dena Bell Duval Arns (91) of Ruch, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 238. The vehicle traveled across the westbound lane for unknown reasons, left the roadway and overturned in a field. The operator was determined to be deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the course of the investigation.

OSP was assisted by Applegate Fire and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – Hwy 26 – Washington County05/15/23

On Sunday, May 14, 2023, at approximately 12:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 38, in Washington County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Jeep Cherokee, operated by Rebecca Barnett (33) of Portland, was traveling westbound on Highway 26 when the vehicle left the roadway, on the north side of the highway, for unknown reasons. The vehicle rolled multiple times down the embankment to the trees. Barnett suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. 

Two juvenile passengers were transported to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

The highway remained open with traffic being diverted for approximately four hours.

OSP was assisted by the Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 238 – Jackson County05/10/23

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at approximately 1:29 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 238, near milepost 28, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a BMW motorcycle, operated by Bryce Beal (56) of Medford, was traveling westbound on Hwy 238. The Motorcycle lost control while negotiating a corner and traveled into the eastbound lane. The motorcycle was struck by an on-coming Jeep Wrangler, operated by James Sweeney (61) of Vail (CO). 

The operator of the motorcycle (Beal) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Jeep (Sweeney) and passenger, Terry Dinkin (61) of Vail (CO), were not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Medford Police Department, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 101- Tillamook County05/10/23

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at approximately 4:26 P.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 white Honda sedan, operated by Hunter Baltzell (21) of Aberdeen (WA), was southbound on Hwy 101 when the operator attempted to turn east onto Alderbrook Loop Rd. A silver Jeep Liberty, operated by Angel Prado Pozo (20) of Portland, was traveling northbound on Hwy 101 when the Honda turned in front of it and the Jeep struck the passenger side door of the Honda. 

The operator of the Honda, Baltzell, was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.  A passenger, Alexa Williamnsen (21) of Aberdeen (WA), was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Jeep, Pozo, was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by Tillamook Fire and ODOT. 

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The Oregon State Police is seeking #PublicAssistance with information regarding the location of William Thomas Gillespie- Josephine County (Photo)05/10/23

The Oregon State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco Firearms and Explosives are seeking the public’s assistance with locating William Thomas Gillespie (38) of Cave Junction, Oregon. Gillespie is wanted on a felony Federal warrant. Additionally, Gillespie is wanted by OSP for questioning regarding the May 2022 homicide of Daniel Guess in Cave Junction and a January 2023 investigation involving felony assault, robbery, kidnapping, and strangulation that also occurred in Cave Junction.

Mr. Gillespie is described as 6’2” and approximately 200 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. His tattoos include the word “infidel” above his right eyebrow, a fishhook below his left eye, a demon head or Japanese Oni-style tattoo on his throat, with its horns extending to both sides of his neck. Visible piercings include pierced ears and a dermal stud piercing below his right eye. Mr. Gillespie may have changed his appearance in order to elude law enforcement. 

Mr. Gillespie is considered armed and very dangerous and should not be contacted by the public.  A reward of up to $2,500.00 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of William Thomas Gillespie.   Anyone with information on Mr. Gillespie’s location should call the Oregon State Police at *OSP from your mobile phone or 800-442-2068. 

Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Linn County05/08/23

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at approximately 3:17 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 233, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an Infinity QX5, operated by Jimmy Davis (64) of Portland, was travelling northbound when it rear-ended a Nissan Rogue, operated by Glenn Stillman (36) of Independence, near milepost 233 northbound. The impact caused the Infinity to leave the roadway and strike several trees on the side of the freeway. 

The Infinity had for total occupants.  The operator (Davis) suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported for medical treatment. Two passengers in the Infinity, Kimberly Ritter (56) of Portland and a teenage male juvenile, were both declared deceased at the scene.  A second teenage male juvenile in the Infinity was critically injured and transported for medical treatment. 

The operator of the Rogue was uninjured during the crash.

The investigation is active and OSP does not have further information to release at this time.  The interstate was impacted for approximately 4.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Albany Fire and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Washington County05/08/23

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, at approximately 7:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 290, in Washington County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Viper, operated by David Ray Coffman (73) of Lake Oswego, was merging onto Interstate 5 (south) when the operator lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway at an angle, slid up an embankment, went airborne and struck trees. The operator was declared deceased at the scene.

OSP was assisted by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and ODOT.

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