Oregon State Police In The News

Oregon State Police

• Kickoff The Summer Travel Season The Right Way: Drive Safe, Alert & Sober This Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
  In keeping with the "Click It or Ticket" mobilization running May 20 - June 2, Oregon State Police, county sheriffs and local police agencies urge local and long distance travelers to be aware of the increased enforcement efforts during the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Starting 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 27, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers working with our law enforcement partners will focus enforcement efforts at encouraging vehicle occupants to buckle up, keeping impaired drivers off the road, and deterring distracted and dangerous driving behavior that affect everyone's safety. "OSP troopers are committed to these important interagency mobilization efforts, day and night, to keep our highway users safe and roads open for travel," said OSP Captain Ted Phillips, Patrol Services Division director. During the 2012 Memorial Day holiday period, ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported three people, all 'vulnerable highway users', died in three separate traffic crashes in Oregon. Last year's victims were a pedestrian, a bicyclist, and a motorcycle operator. Since 1970, more than 260 people died after being involved in crashes during the holiday period that kicks off the summer travel season. More than half occurred in alcohol-involved crashes. Prior to the start of the current annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign, ODOT noted in Oregon that 61 vehicle occupants who died in crashes in 2012 were completely unbelted. The majority of those - 49 - were occupants in pickups, and two-thirds of the unbuckled fatalities occurred in nighttime crashes. During the previous six Memorial Day holiday weekends, OSP troopers arrested over 470 DUII drivers, including 64 DUII drivers arrested during last year's 78-hour period. Troopers' stepped up enforcement effort supports Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) and the work of other law enforcement agencies in Oregon and around the country to discourage the most common causes of injury crashes - speeding and impaired drivers. An example of one of OSP's planned efforts will occur in central Oregon where, using overtime grant funding, troopers will focus on speed, safety restraint, and DUII enforcement on Highway 97, Highway 20, and Highway 26. Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA), Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), and ODOT offer the following safety reminders: * Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. * Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes. * Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. * Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert. * Share the road. Don't tailgate and be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. * Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of our roads. * Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly (see www.childsafetyseat.org for free safety seat clinics and proper buckling tips). * Don't drink and drive; don't be impaired and drive. These can be deadly combinations. * MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated. OSP, OSSA, OACP and ODOT remind every traveling person - bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and motorists alike - that we all have individual responsibility for keeping our roads safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous and intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or call OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865). Oregon law requires the following: * A child weighing less than 40 pounds must be restrained in a child safety seat. * A child under one year of age or weighing less than twenty pounds must be restrained in a child seat, rear facing. * A child over forty pounds or who has reached the upper weight limit of their forward-facing car seat must be restrained in a booster seat until they reach age eight or 4'9" in height and the adult safety belt system fits them correctly. "Best Practice Recommendations" of the American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. DOT suggest that children ride in rear-facing seats to age two or the upper weight limit of the seat in use. Children should continue to ride in safety seats to forty pounds or the upper weight limit of their safety seat before transitioning to a booster seat. Children under thirteen should ride in the back seat. *** NOTE: Questions regarding your local OSP or other law enforcement agency enforcement efforts should be directed to those OSP offices or other agencies. OSP media ridealong requests should be arranged through your local OSP office before the holiday weekend starts. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update: Arrest Confirmed of Driver of Stolen Vehicle Sought Following Early Monday Morning Elude near Lee's Camp off Highway 6
  Tillamook County Sheriff's Office confirmed THOMAS ANTHONY WHITE, age 28, from Hillsboro, was arrested Monday afternoon, May 20, in the area law enforcement officers were searching south of Highway 6 near Lee's Camp after he fled on foot from a stolen vehicle into the woods near C-Line Road and Lyda Road. A deputy was flagged down by loggers who were aware of the search after spotting a man matching WHITE's description. WHITE was lodged in the Tillamook County Jail on the following charges: * Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle * Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot * Reckless Driving * Recklessly Endangering Another Person * Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle * Possession of a Stolen Vehicle * Warrant (Washington County) - Failure to Appear - Theft in the First Degree Questions about the arrest should be directed to Tillamook County Sheriff's Office On May 20, 2013 at approximately 1:23 a.m., the Tillamook Police Department attempted to stop a stolen 2001 Chrysler Sebring displaying Oregon license plates eastbound on Highway 6 east of Tillamook. An OSP trooper and Tillamook County Sheriff's Office joined Tillamook police as the stolen vehicle fled eastbound at a high rate of speed, turning south of Highway 6 onto county roads near Lee's Camp. At approximately 1:50 a.m., the two occupants abandoned the vehicle on C-line Road near Lyda Road and fled on foot. The vehicle's passenger, EDER ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ, age 22, from Hillsboro, was located and taken into custody. HERNANDEZ was lodged in the Tillamook County Jail for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot. The driver was identified as WHITE who was wanted out of Washington County for Failure to Appear - Theft in the First Degree. White photograph (dated 4/2013) courtesy Washington County Community Corrections. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update: Name Released - Serious Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 99W near Adair Village
  Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the cause of Monday afternoon's serious injury traffic crash involving a motorcycle and passenger car on Highway 99W near Adair Village. The two motorcycle occupants were ejected and transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious and minor injuries. The motorcycle operator's name is released in this update. According to Sergeant Mike Iwai, on May 20, 2013 at approximately 12:25 p.m., a 1998 Honda Accord driven by RACHELLE COLLIER, age 29, from Albany, was northbound on Highway 99W near milepost 76. The Honda's right turn signal was activated as it slowed to turn right onto Ryals Avenue when a following 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle attempted to pass on the right side. The motorcycle collided with the side of the turning car and both motorcycle occupants were ejected as it traveled off the highway into tall grass. The motorcycle's 18-year old operator, JOHN D. WHITEWATER JR from Corvallis, was seriously injured and transported to by Corvallis Fire Department ambulance to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. The 14-year old female passenger received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the same hospital where she was treated and released. Both were wearing protective helmets. COLLIER and her 3-week infant passenger were not injured. OSP troopers from the Albany and Salem Area Command responded to the scene to investigation. Trooper Jeff Moran is the lead investigator. Benton County Sheriff's Office, Adair Rural Fire & Rescue, Corvallis Fire Department, and ODOT assisted at the scene. Photographs - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update: Name Released - Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 101 south of Tillamook (Photos)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday morning's single vehicle fatal traffic crash along Highway 101 about fifteen miles south of Tillamook that resulted in the death of a 20-year old man. The victim's name is released in this update. Speed and failure to wear a safety belt are possible contributing factors. On May 20, 2013 at approximately 6:18 a.m., a 2001 Dodge pickup driven by LUIS CORONA ESPINOZA, age 20, from Beaver, was northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 81. As the pickup was negotiating a sweeping right curve, the driver lost control and traveled off the shoulder striking an embankment. The pickup rolled and came to rest on its roof. The driver, who was not using safety restraints, was ejected from the pickup and pronounced deceased at the scene. OSP troopers from the Tillamook work site office are continuing the investigation. Trooper Sarah Reding is the lead investigator. OSP was assisted at the scene by Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Nestucca Fire & Rescue, and ODOT. The highway was closed for about five hours. This fatal crash occurred on the first day of the "Click It or Ticket" campaign that runs through June 2. OSP and ODOT remind everyone that the proper use of safety restraints is the single most effective way to protect vehicle occupants involved in a crash from injury or death. According to ODOT, even though Oregon now has the second highest safety belt use among U.S. states, 49 people last year lost their lives in crashes where they were in a pickup and were not wearing a safety belt. More information about the May campaign and increased enforcement effort is available on our website at http://www.oregon.gov/osp/NEWSRL/Pages/news/05_15_2013_click_it_or_ticket.aspx. Photographs - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• OSP Troopers Use Taser to Take Wanted Felon into Custody near La Grande (Photo)
  A man wanted on numerous warrants was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) early Sunday near La Grande after troopers used a Taser on the aggressively resisting man to take him into custody during a traffic stop. Shortly after midnight, May 19, 2013, two OSP troopers stopped a vehicle in Island City near La Grande on suspicion the driver was wanted on numerous warrants. The vehicle was seen earlier by one of the troopers who ran a check using the Mobile Data Terminal computer in the patrol car on the registered owner, DARYL S. FREDERICKSON, age 35, from Umatilla, and learned he was wanted on four outstanding warrants and was known to be an officer safety concern. The trooper lost sight of the vehicle but located it later and stopped it. The driver, FREDERICKSON, was positively identified at that time as the wanted felon. When troopers initiated a felony stop at gunpoint, FREDERICKSON exited the vehicle and refused to obey their commands and orders. A Taser was deployed twice against FREDERICKSON who verbally threatened and challenged the troopers. After the second Taser deployment, he was taken into custody following a short struggle. In addition to local charges of Resisting Arrest, Interfering with a Police Officer, and misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot, FREDERICKSON was lodged in the Union County Jail on the following warrants: * Contempt of Court - Fail to appear on Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Hermiston Municipal Court) * Three warrants out of Union County charging Unlawful Possession & Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine, and two separate counts of Fail to Appear - Theft in the Second Degree. Photograph - Union County Sheriff's Office ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update: Name Released - Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 226 east of Scio (Photos)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into a single vehicle fatal traffic crash reported Sunday morning off Highway 226 east of Scio. The adult male victim's name is released in this update. According to Sergeant Vonn Schleicher, on May 19, 2013 at approximately 11:24 a.m., OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office responded to report of a single vehicle over an embankment along Highway 226 near Shindler Bridge Drive around milepost 14. A vehicle was found by an area resident on its top along Thomas Creek riverbank off the highway with a deceased adult male inside. The victim is identified as BRIAN DAVID MARLER, age 49, from Scio. For an unknown reason, the vehicle left the roadway and overturned. The cause is still under investigation. OSP was assisted at the scene by Scio Rural Fire Department, Linn County Sheriff's Office, and Linn County District Attorney's Office. Photographs - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update: Victim Identified - Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 20 / Highway 201N south of Ontario (Photos)
  A woman died Thursday morning in a collision between her vehicle and a commercial truck at the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 201N south of Ontario in Malheur County. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Ontario Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. The victim's name is released in this update. According to Lieutenant Mark Duncan, on May 16, 2013 at approximately 9:35 a.m., a 2006 Pontiac G6 four-door driven by VENEZA RODRIGUEZ, age 20, from Ontario, was stopped at the stop sign on Highway 20 at the intersection with Highway 201N. As a 2006 Kenworth truck driven by GUADALUPE RIOS, age 53, from Nyssa, approached southbound on Highway 201N, the Pontiac pulled out to turn left and into the path of the commercial truck when it was struck. After impact, both vehicles traveled together nearly 200 yards to the south of the intersection before separating. The Pontiac came to rest in a bordering irrigation ditch. The truck and trailer came to a stop in the northbound lanes. RODRIGUEZ was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints. RIOS was not injured and was also using safety restraints. OSP was assisted at the scene by Malheur County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Land Management, Ontario Fire & Rescue, and ODOT. The highway was closed six hours with a detour in place. Photographs - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Milwaukie 5th Grader's Entry Selected to Represent Oregon in National "Missing Children's Day" Poster Contest (Photo & Info Links)
  *** Governor Kitzhaber joins child safety advocates around the country by signing proclamation announcing May 25, 2013 as "Missing Children's Awareness Day" in Oregon *** *** A 5th grader at Milwaukie's Linwood Elementary School received a surprise today when the Oregon State Police (OSP) Missing Children's Clearinghouse announced her poster was selected to represent Oregon in the national Missing Children's Day Poster Contest. In addition to a pizza party held for her and about 20 classmates, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber sent a letter that was read congratulating her on the winning poster and for helping to raise awareness about child safety. On May 16, 2013, OSP Missing Children's Clearinghouse Program Analyst Julie Willard announced that ZION BROOKS' winning poster was selected to represent Oregon and had been sent to the Department of Justice for national judging and selection with posters submitted from around the country. The Missing Children's Day Poster Contest is an annual event for fifth grade students providing an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and other community organizations to engage children and their parents in discussions about child safety. During the presentation, a letter from Governor John Kitzhaber was read to her class commending Zion for her winning entry and involvement with local communities in being part of the solution to keep kids safe. "Oregon is proud that you'll be representing our state and we wish you the best of luck," wrote Kitzhaber. Governor Kitzhaber also joined child safety advocates around the country by signing a proclamation announcing May 25, 2013 as "Missing Children's Awareness Day" in Oregon. During the month of May, families around the country are encouraged to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety and abduction prevention as part of the Take 25 (www.Take25.org) national child safety campaign. A list of 25 safety tips for parents that can help save a child's life is included with this news release. May 25 has been observed as National Missing Children's Day since it was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. This date is the anniversary of the day in 1979 when 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from a New York street corner on his way to school; a story that captivated the nation. Etan's photo, taken by his father, was circulated nationwide and appeared in media across the country and around the world. This powerful image has come to symbolize the anguish and trauma of thousands of searching families. As of April 2013, Oregon's Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) records contained information regarding 401 kids under the age of 18 listed as missing in LEDS/NCIC. About 90% of the listed missing children are runaways. The remaining listed children are missing under circumstances indicating his/her physical safety may be in danger or their disappearance was not voluntary. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), every year in America, an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing, more than 2,000 children each day. Of that number, 200,000 are abducted by family members and 58,000 are abducted by non-family members, for which the primary motive is sexual. Each year, 115 children are the victims of the most serious abductions; they are taken by non-family members and either murdered, ransomed or taken with the intent to keep. An analysis of attempted abduction cases by NCMEC found that in 81 percent of the cases, the child escaped would-be abductors through their own actions. Twenty-eight percent actively resisted (yelling, kicking, pulling away, running away or attracting attention) while 53% recognized something was not right and responded by walking or running away. "Spend time with your kids, set appropriate limits, and help them make good choices. It is important to take the time to talk to your children about safety." said Willard. Fortunately last month, two reports of children missing in Molalla and Gresham just days apart ended with both being found safe. During the most serious incidents when a child is abducted, Oregon's AMBER Alert program is a critical missing child response program utilizing the resources of law enforcement and media to engage the public's help to find a child as quickly as possible. Information about Oregon's AMBER Alert program is available on the OSP website at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/AMBERALERT/index.shtml. Several months ago, the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Program replaced the Wireless AMBER Alert Program to help distribute AMBER Alerts throughout the country. Also known as Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) or Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN), WEA is a national emergency alert system that sends text-like messages to users' WEA-capable mobile devices. The program may send out cellphone alerts in the form of sounds and beeps when an AMBER Alert is issued in an area of activated cell towers. Oregon's first WEA use occurred in January 2013 when a 5-year old boy was abducted in The Dalles and recovered safe about an hour after the AMBER Alert activation. The Missing Children's Day Poster Contest is promoted in Oregon by the OSP Missing Children's Clearinghouse. Fifth grade teachers interested in participating in next year's contest can contact Julie Willard at (503) 934-0188 or Julie.willard@state.or.us. To view last year's winning entries submitted from 41 states and the District of Columbia among the thousands entered by fifth graders across the country: http://mecptraining.org/2012/05/2012-poster/. More information, including photos and background information about some of Oregon's missing children, is available at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/MCC/pages/index.aspx. Links: Photographs - Oregon State Police (Note: Family photo left to right: Stepfather Moddie Sesson; Zion Brooks; and, Mother Lisha Melifeng) Copy of Governor Kitzhaber's letter and proclamation Image of Selected Poster ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Two Men Arrested Following Attempt to Elude near Clackamas/Marion County Line (Photos)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers arrested two men early Thursday morning following an attempt to elude in a vehicle along roads near Highway 219 west of Donald. On May 16, 2013 at approximately 12:25 a.m., an OSP trooper attempted to stop a 1979 Chevrolet Caprice four-door displaying Oregon license plates southbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 281 for several traffic violations. The driver failed to yield as the vehicle sped up at a high rate of speed, exiting the freeway at the Donald/Aurora interchange and went westbound on Ehlen Road NE continuing at a high rate of speed. While trying to turn left onto Highway 219 the car traveled into a ditch and went airborne, landing in a field. The car continued westbound until it got stuck in an electrical fence as it tried to access the highway. The driver, ALEX JOSEPH RAYMOND, age 25, from St. Paul, was taken into custody after briefly trying to flee on foot despite being injured during the crash. He was transported to Oregon Health & Science University for treatment. Upon release from the hospital, RAYMOND was arrested by OSP and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail on the following charges: * Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle * Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot * Recklessly Endangering Another Person * Reckless Driving * Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended * Criminal Mischief in the First Degree * Misdemeanor Hit & Run The car's passenger, MATTHEW SHANE BROWN, age 28, from Carlton, was arrested for Probation Violation after contact was made with his parole officer. BROWN was also lodged in the Clackamas County Jail. Photographs of both subjects - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Correction to Update: Names & Other Info - Serious Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 97 north of Madras (Photos)
  CORRECTION: Passenger MARTIN was ejected and transported by air, not passenger GILLESPIE *** An investigation by Oregon State Police (OSP) into the cause of an early Wednesday morning single vehicle traffic crash along Highway 97 about 14 miles north of Madras led to the driver being cited for several offenses. The vehicle's 3 occupants are also identified as names released. On May 15, 2013 at approximately 5:08 a.m., a 1992 Chevrolet Blazer sport utility vehicle driven by NICHOLAS M. RUSSELL, age 18, from Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 77 when it crossed the southbound lane. The vehicle continued onto the shoulder and rolled at least once before coming to rest on its wheels in the southbound lane. One of the 2 passengers identified as TRENT MARTIN, age 18, from Coeur D-Alene, was ejected from the rolling vehicle and seriously injured. MARTIN was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. RUSSELL and passenger JOSEPH GILLESPIE, age 17, from Dublin, California, received non-life threatening injuries and were taken by ground ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Madras. Subsequent to the investigation, RUSSELL was cited to appear in Jefferson County Circuit Court for Reckless Driving, Assault in the Third Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, No Operator License, and Fail to Maintain a Lane of Travel. The highway was blocked one hour during the emergency incident response. No OSP troopers were on duty so one was called out from his residence to respond and investigate. Lead investigator is Senior Trooper Jed Rzegocki. Driver fatigue was noted as one contributing factor in this crash. OSP was assisted at the scene by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County EMS, Jefferson County Fire Department, LifeFlight, and ODOT. Photographs - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Truck Fire - Highway 34 east of Interstate 5 (Photos)
  A commercial truck transporting logs received major fire damage Tuesday morning after a fire reportedly started inside the truck as it traveled along Highway 34 east of Interstate 5 in Linn County. According to Trooper Phil Van Leuven, on May 14, 2013 at approximately 10:09 a.m., a 1993 Kenworth truck driven by RANDY L. NUNN, age 44, from Sweet Home, was westbound on Highway 34 near milepost 14 enroute with a load of logs to Roseburg. NUNN reported a fire started near the dashboard area inside the truck. He pulled into the center median and stopped to avoid any potential of the fire spreading to nearby grass. Tangent Fire Department and ODOT responded to the scene. Firefighters extinguished the fire while the road was closed for over 30 minutes. The fire was restricted to the truck and didn't spread to the loaded logs. Traffic was restored to one lane in both directions for about two more hours until the truck and trailer were removed. Photographs - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Gresham Man Arraigned on Manslaughter Charge in Lake County Circuit Court Related to Sept. 2012 Fatal Traffic Crash (Photos)
  (NOTE: Any questions regarding this case should be directed to Lake County District Attorney Ulys Stapleton at (541) 947-6009) *** A 22-year old Gresham-area man was arraigned Monday afternoon in Lake County Circuit Court after being indicted last week by a Lake County Grand Jury in connection with a September 2012 fatal traffic crash along Highway 31 about four miles south of the town of Silver Lake. The indictment followed an Oregon State Police (OSP) investigation into the single vehicle fatal traffic crash that killed one person. SEAN TAYLOR BERGLUND, age 22, from Gresham, was arraigned May 13, 2013, for one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree. With bail set at $50,000, BERGLUND was booked into Lake County Jail and released later Monday after posting bail. According to the Lake County District Attorney's Office, the court set numerous conditions to assist in monitoring the defendant's behavior and compliance after release from custody. On September 2, 2012, at approximately 12:50 a.m., a 1997 Ford F150 pickup was traveling northbound on Highway 31 near milepost 51 when it traveled off the roadway into the ditch and rolled numerous times, ending on its top. The passenger, ROBERT EDWARD SANCHEZ BUSCH, age 22, also from Gresham, was pronounced deceased at the scene and BERGLUND was transported by ambulance to a Bend-area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Although Berglund told investigating troopers that an unidentified third person was driving the vehicle, during the multi-month ongoing investigation, BERGLUND was identified by OSP as the pickup's driver. Photograph Sources: Berglund Photo - Lake County Sheriff's Office Scene Photo - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Serious Injury Traffic Crash = Highway 203 near Union
  A 78-year old woman was seriously injured Friday morning in a two vehicle traffic crash on Highway 203 near Union. According to Sergeant Jason Stone, on May 10, 2013 at approximately 9:50 a.m., a Chevrolet Lumina passenger car driven by BLANCHE KOHLER, age 78, from Union, was stopped on Highway 203 near milepost 16 waiting to turn left onto a county road when it was struck from behind by a Dodge pickup driven by DARRELL WOOD, age 84, from Union. Both vehicles received major damage. KOHLER was transported by air ambulance to Providence Saint Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington with serious injuries. WOOD wasn't injured. He was cited by Oregon State Police (OSP) for Careless Driving. OSP troopers from the La Grande Area Command office were assisted at the scene by Union County Sheriff's Office, Union Fire Department, La Grande Fire Department, and ODOT. No photographs available for the release. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Serious Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 18 near Otis (Photo)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Friday afternoon's single vehicle serious injury traffic crash along Highway 18 about seven miles east of Highway 101. The crash seriously injured an Otis-area woman. According to Sergeant Cari Boyd, on May 10, 2013 at approximately 5:17 p.m., a 1998 Dodge Voyager van driven by ELISHA CRIPPEN, age 26, from Otis, was westbound on Highway 18 near milepost 7 when it traveled off the roadway and down a slight embankment. The van began to flip over, struck a telephone pole, and then came to rest on its top. CRIPPEN, the lone occupant, was initially transported by Pacific West ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. She was later taken by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland for further treatment. She was using safety restraints and the van's airbags deployed. OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Rose Lodge area fire personnel, ODOT, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office assisted. One lane was blocked about six hours. Photograph - Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Two Vehicle Fatal Crash US Hwy 11 at MP 20 near Pendleton, Oregon
  Troopers from the Pendleton Area Command have concluded their on scene investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, which resulted in the death of one of the two vehicles drivers. The occupants of the other vehicle received none or minor injuries. Today, at approximately 8:50 a.m., a two vehicle crash occurred on SR Hwy 11 at MP 20 near Pendleton, Oregon. Investigation at the scene revealed that a 2013 Toyota Corolla driven by Vincent A. TORRIER, age 77, from Walla Walla, Washington was northbound on SR Hwy 11 when he made a U-turn in front of a 2004 Ford F350 pick-up driven by Debora J. Alder, age 55, from Hermiston, Oregon. The Ford Pick-up collided with the Toyota Corolla entrapping the driver - TORRIER - in the Corolla. TORRIER was air lifted to St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla were he was pronounced deceased. The Highway was closed for 4.5 hours. Mr. TORRIER had a pet dog with him in his vehicle, which was treated for minor injury and released to his next of kin. Ms. Alder had three passengers in her vehicle - Allen R. Alder, age 54, Dana M. Hanson, age 22 - both of Hermiston, and a 10 year old juvenile from Pendleton. Investigating Troopers do not indicate at this time that intoxicants contributed to the crash. The Oregon State Police Pendleton Troopers were assisted on scene by: Athena Fire Dept., East Umatilla Co. Rural Fire Dept., East Umatilla Co. Ambulance (Medic 400), ODOT, Pendleton, Athena and Weston Police Departments and Life Flight.