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OSP traffic stop leads to arrest and drug seizure- Deschutes County (Photo)01/20/23

On January 19, 2023, at approximately 5:00 P.M., an Oregon State Police Senior Trooper stopped an SUV for a lane use violation on northbound US 97 near milepost 132, just north of Bend.

During the traffic stop, the Trooper noticed signs of criminal activity, and a consent search of the vehicle was conducted.  During a search of the vehicle, the Trooper located approximately 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and approximately five pounds of suspected powder fentanyl concealed within the vehicle.  The K-9 assisted in the investigation by alerting the Trooper to the odor of controlled substances in the location where the drugs were hidden.

The driver was identified as Dania Marbella Banegas-Ramos (28) of Oakland, California.  Banegas-Ramos was taken into custody and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail for various drug offenses.

OSP Troopers were assisted during the investigation by Detectives from the OSP-Criminal Investigations Division-Drug Enforcement Section (Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative), Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration – Bend Task Force, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

Fatal Crash – HWY 224- Clackamas County01/12/23

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 5:56 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 224, near milepost 17, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Volkswagen Golf, operated by Miguel B. Adams (22) of Vancouver (WA), was eastbound on Hwy 224 when it entered the westbound lane of travel and struck a Toyota Tacoma, operated by Matthew D. Stenhouse (26), head-on.  The Volkswagen spun as a result of the collision and was struck in the passenger side door by a Kia K5, operated by Ryan Michael Payne (22) of Portland, which was also eastbound on Hwy 224.

The operator of the Volkswagen, Miguel B. Adams, was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene. 

The operator of the Toyota was life flighted to a local hospital for medical treatment.  The operator of the Kia declined medical evaluation at the scene.

The cause of the crash is undetermined at this time.  The crash scene investigation impacted the roadway for approximately 4 hours.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriffs’ Office, Clackamas Fire, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 214 – Marion County01/12/23

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 9:40 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on Hwy 214, at the intersection with Downs Rd NE, in Marion County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda Civic, operated by Diceon M Macias (19) of Salem, was eastbound on Downs Rd NE and attempted to cross Hwy 214.  The Honda Civic entered the roadway and struck the side of a Ford Taurus, operated by Mitchell Daniel Kuenzi (23) of Silverton, which was traveling southbound on Hwy 214.  The collision caused the Taurus to enter the northbound lane of Hwy 214, where it was struck in the driver’s side door by a Jeep Gladiator, operated by James A Nosen (68) of Woodburn.  

Mitchell Daniel Kuenzi, the operator of the Taurus, was declared deceased at the scene.  The other parties involved received medical evaluation and/or treatment due to the crash.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while to crash scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by Mt. Angel Fire, Silverton Fire, Silverton PD, Marion County SO, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 42 – Douglas County01/11/23

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at approximately 8:27 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Highway 42, at the intersection of Grant Smith Road, near milepost 76.5, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Ram 3500 truck, operated by Robert Howerton (76) of Winston, was traveling west on Highway 42 in the fast lane when it struck a bicyclist, Michael Allen Davis (34) of Roseburg, as the bicycle was traveling south across the Highway 42/Grant Smith Road intersection. The bicyclist was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The driver of the Dodge 3500 immediately stopped and fully cooperated with the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by the Winston Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriffs’ Office, Douglas County Fire, ODOT, and Douglas County Medical Examiner’s office.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84 – Umatilla County01/09/23

On Sunday, January 8, 2023, at approximately 4:37 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash in the median of Interstate 84, near milepost 199, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Ford Ranger rolled over in the median of Interstate 84, near milepost 199. A westbound motorist stopped to render assistance to the occupants involved in the rollover crash and was walking in the median towards the rolled vehicle. A 2016 Ford Explorer, operated by Lloyd Lawrence Barkley (66) of Pendleton, was traveling westbound when the vehicle began to hydroplane on the wet road surface. The driver lost control of the Explorer and slid into the median where it struck and killed the pedestrian, Kenneth Dale Strong (65) of Richland (WA), who was walking towards the original rolled vehicle. The pedestrian, Strong, was declared deceased at the scene.

OSP was assisted by the Pendleton Fire Department and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 126E – Lane County01/06/23

On Thursday, January 5, 2023, at approximately 6:09 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 126E, near milepost 14.2, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Brandon Philes (50) of Springfield, was walking on the eastbound fog line of Hwy 126E, near milepost 14.2, when he was struck by an eastbound Subaru Outback, operated by Frank King III (66) of Springfield. The pedestrian, Philes, was declared deceased, at the scene by, medical personnel.

The highway remained partially open during the 3 hour crash scene investigation.

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

Fatal Crash – HWY 238 – Jackson County01/05/23

On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at approximately 6:39 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 238, near milepost 20, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet pickup truck, operated by Steven Anson Marsh (45) of Applegate, was traveling eastbound on Highway 238 near mile post 20 and possibly struck a downed tree in the roadway. The vehicle went off the roadway and came to rest in a nearby ditch. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene.

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

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Oregon State Police Northwest Region Marijuana Team Serve Search Warrants at Three Locations – Marion County (Photo)01/04/23

On December 28, 2022, the Oregon State Police, Drug Enforcement Section, Northwest Region Marijuana Team (OSP NWR MJ) served search warrants at two locations near Aumsville and one location in South Salem.  Investigators with NWR MJ began the investigation after receiving neighborhood complaints and were able to determine the suspects moved to Oregon to grow illicit marijuana.

During the search warrant operation, investigators found 2,578 marijuana plants, 53 pounds of processed marijuana, and over $5000.00 in proceeds.  Four houses had been heavily modified and most, if not all, rooms were being used to grow marijuana.  An 11-year-old juvenile was staying at one residence. Officers concerned with the juvenile’s access to chemicals used in the grow operation and with health and life-safety issues associated with mold, blocked exit doors, and unpermitted, over-loaded, electrical systems, contacted the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Child Welfare.

Mr. Bin Dong, (40) of Salem, and Mr. Bin Bin Huang, (31) of Aumsville were lodged at the Marion County Jail and charged with:

ORS 475C.349, Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item
ORS 475C.337, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana Item
Oregon Laws Chapter 542 (2021), Sect. 41, Unlawful Production of Marijuana
ORS 164.170 – Laundering a Monetary Instrument
ORS 164.172 – Engaging in a financial transaction in property derived from unlawful activity
ORS 161.450 – Criminal Conspiracy to commit the aforementioned crimes

Charges for Mrs. Yu Chen, (40) of Sacramento, CA will be referred to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

NWR MJ was assisted in the operation by, the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Fatal Crash – HWY 97 – Klamath County01/04/23

On Monday, January 2, 2023, at approximately 7:08 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 235, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a commercial motor vehicle, towing a fuel tank, was traveling southbound on Hwy 97 when it lost control and crossed into the northbound lane of travel, striking an Chevrolet Suburban.  The momentum carried the commercial motor vehicle into a Dodge Ram 1500, which was parked on the side of the roadway. 

As a result of the crash, Roberto Raygoza Rosales (36) of Madras, was declared deceased at the scene.  A male juvenile also died due to injuries from the crash. Both Raygoza Rosales and the juvenile were occupants of the Suburban.

In addition to the reported deaths, multiple injuries were associated with this crash.

OSP is currently conducting a criminal investigation of the collision and no further information is available at this time.

OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire, Chemult Fire, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

Officer Involved Shooting- Morrow County01/04/23

Officer Involved Shooting- Morrow County

On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, two Boardman Police Officers attempted to contact Matthew Louis Spargo (39) regarding the violation of a restraining order.  The officers located Spargo in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS).  Spargo was taken into custody and was not injured as a result of the OIS.  No police officers were injured during the incident. 

A collaborative investigation pursuant to Senate Bill 111 is being conducted.  The Oregon State Police is  leading the investigation with the assistance of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Pendleton Police Department and the Morrow County District Attorney’s Office. 

Future releases of information will come from the Oregon State Police or the Morrow County District Attorney’s Office. 

Fatal Crash – HWY 47- Washington County01/03/23

On Friday, December 30, 2022, at approximately 12:55 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 47, near milepost 24, in Washington County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Diego Hernandez (27) of Woodburn, was driving southbound on Hwy 47 near milepost 24. The vehicle left its lane of travel for an unknown reason before hitting a 1998 Ford Ranger, operated by Nathan Pellham (30) of Yamhill, head-on. A passenger in the Ford Ranger, Meliny Fischer (31) of Yamhill, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Pellham was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. 

Hernandez was provided medical care and arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangering. Additional charges will be considered once the investigation is complete. 

OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriffs’ Office, the Washington County District Attorney, the Washington County Medical Examiner, Gaston Fire, Forest Grove Fire, and ODOT.

Double Fatal Crash – HWY 42 – Douglas County01/03/23

On Monday, January 2, 2023, at approximately 9:30 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 42, near milepost 70.5, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a GMC Yukon, operated by Jimmy Brown (35) of Ten Mile, was towing another GMC Yukon when it crossed into oncoming lanes and crashed head-on into a fully loaded Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by Garret Mizuno (30) of Myrtle Creek. The GMC Yukon operator and passenger, Jason Elam (35) of Ten Mile, were pronounced deceased at the scene.  The operator of the Peterbilt was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the crash and was cooperative with the investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Winston Police Department, Douglas County Fire, the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and ODOT.

Officer Involved Shooting- Officer Involved Shooting- Linn County01/02/23

Officer Involved Shooting- Oregon State Police- Linn County

On Monday, January 2, 2023, at approximately 11:45 A.M., Oregon State Troopers responded to assist the Linn County Sheriffs’ Department, who was in pursuit of a vehicle.  The pursuit terminated within the City of Albany and Oregon State Troopers were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting. The suspect was transported via ambulance to a local hospital.  No law enforcement personnel were physically injured during the incident.  The Albany Police Department will be conducting the investigation of the incident.  Future releases of information will be made by the Albany Police Department and the Linn County District Attorney’s Office.

Fatal Crash – HWY 74 – Morrow County01/01/23

On Friday, December 30, 2022, at approximately 5:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 74, near milepost 39, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray 2017 Ford Explorer, operated by Kellie Renae Nelson (27) of Heppner, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 74 when it left its lane of travel and collided head-on with a westbound red 1993 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Ronald Lee Stutzman (71) of Heppner, which was pulling a small utility trailer. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene. A female passenger, Tamara Jane Stutzman (71) of Heppner, in the Jeep was transported to Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Heppner where she later succumbed to her injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriffs’ Office, Morrow County District Attorney, Heppner Fire, and MCHD Heppner ambulance.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84 – Umatilla County12/30/22

On Thursday, December 29, 2022 at approximately 11:40 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 186, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black 2002 Honda CRV, operated by John Patrick Carver (58) of Quincy (WA), was called in as a hazard. The CRV was reportedly stopped in the westbound slow lane of Interstate 84 with no lights on and had nearly been hit by another motorist. As Troopers were responding, a white 2023 International Semi-Truck, driven by Mark Allen Farish (45) of Meridian (ID), collided with the Honda CRV. The Honda CRV came to rest on the north shoulder of the interstate with severe damage, where the driver was pronounced deceased. The driver of the International Semi-Truck sustained minor injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Stanfield Police Department, Umatilla County Fire District #1, the Umatilla County Sheriffs’ Office, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Clatsop County12/29/22

On Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at approximately 6:24 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to two vehicle crash on HWY 101, near milepost 2.5, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound blue 2002 Nissan Xterra SUV, operated by Edgar Mandujano Rodriguez (29) of Beaverton, attempted to pass other northbound vehicles on the Megler bridge when it struck a southbound blue 2013 Ford C-MAX SUV, operated by Connie Jackson (64) of Astoria. The head-on collision caused severe damage to both vehicles and cause the Xterra to become engulfed in flames. Mandujano Rodriguez was found deceased at the scene. Jackson was flown to a Portland hospital in critical condition.

OSP was assisted by the Astoria Fire Department, the Astoria Police Department, the Clatsop County Sheriffs’ Office, the Washington State Patrol, and ODOT.

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OSP Salem Area Command Saturation Patrol December 30-31 (Photo)12/29/22

New Year’s celebrations are just around the corner. The Oregon State Police is imploring drivers to travel safely. Our Area Commands consider locations, days of the week, and times of day when serious injury/fatal crashes occur around the state while conducting focused Saturation Patrols. 

From January 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022, there have been over 75 motor vehicle crashes on OR-99E and OR-551, with six fatalities. Approximately half of these crashes had a known nexus to OSP’s Fatal 5 violations, with 15 being impaired driving.       

The ‘OSP’s Salem Office, alongside the Salem Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, Hubbard Police Department, and Gervais Police Department is participating in a Saturation Patrol starting December 30, 2022, at noon until December 31, 2023, 2:00 A.M. The focus coverage area will primarily be Highway 99E from Aurora to Chemawa Road NE in Salem, and Highway 551 (also known as Hubbard Cutoff Road NE) from the Clackamas County lint to the where it intersects Highway 99. 

This joint operation will focus on the enforcement of OSP’s Fatal 5– 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.

With this and all saturation patrols, our goal is the public’s safety! 

OSP knows our presence will alert drivers to stop the dangerous driving behaviors they might be engaging in.

The Oregon State Police will have extra patrols, continuing through the new year, focusing on the Fatal 5 with a specific emphasis on impaired driving.

Fatal Crash – Interstate 84- Multnomah County12/28/22

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 2:06 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 40, in Multnomah County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Dodge Ram, operated by Rick Williams (43) of Baker City, towing a U-Haul dolly trailer, was traveling eastbound on I-84, near milepost 40. Prior to a tunnel, a tree fell and struck the passenger’s side of the pickup. The passenger, Paula Chamu Sanchez (20) of Baker City, died from the impact of the tree. The driver was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for injuries. 

The freeway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriffs’ Department and ODOT.

Fatal Crash – HWY 26 – Wasco County.12/28/22

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 3:26 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on HWY 26, near milepost 64, in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that due to winter weather, which included snow and strong winds, a large tree fell onto the cab an eastbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by James Darron Lyda (53) of Prineville, causing it to lose control and leave the highway. The lone occupant and operator of the Peterbilt was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. 

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

OSP was assisted by Hoodland Fire, Warms Springs Fire, and ODOT.

Triple Fatal Crash – HWY 26 – Clatsop County12/28/22

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 11:39 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on HWY 26, near milepost 15.5, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a severe weather event caused a large diameter tree to fall onto an eastbound silver Ford F-150, operated by Justin Nolasco Pedraza (19) of Seaside. It was determined the tree fell directly onto the Ford F150 roof as it was passing by. The operator and passengers, Bonifacio Olvera Nolasco (41) of Seaside and a 4 year old female, all suffered fatal injuries during the collision and were discovered deceased upon the arrival of first responders.  

The investigation was hindered by the weather, fallen tree, and safety concerns.  The highway was closed for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Hamlet Fire Department, Elsie Vinemaple Fire, the County Medical Examiners’ Office, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- Interstate 84- Morrow County12/27/22

On Sunday, December 25, 2022, at approximately 6:54 AM, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 174, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Mercedes E320, operated by Ricardo Mejia Avila (27) of Boardman, was traveling westbound when it left the roadway into the median. The vehicle then rolled several times ejecting both occupants. The vehicle came to rest on the eastbound side of the freeway. The operator was deceased at the scene. The passenger, Asarias Alonso Ramos (38) of Boardman, was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston where his condition was critical. Speed and safety belt use are believed to have been factors in the crash, along with icy road conditions.

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriffs’ Office, Boardman PD, Boardman Fire, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash- HWY 20- Deschutes County12/24/22

On Friday, December 23, 2022, at approximately 3:57 PM, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20, near mile post 3, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gold Suzuki XL7 was traveling westbound on Highway 20 toward Sisters, when it lost control on icy roadway conditions. The vehicle crossed the eastbound lane of travel and struck a tree. The driver was transported to St. Charles in Bend with minor injuries. The passenger, Maria Aviles Tapia (38) of Sisters, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The highway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Officer, the Cloverdale Fire Department, Sisters Fire and ODOT.

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