Oregon State Police In The News

Oregon State Police

• Update #2: Juvenile In Custody Related to Serious Injury Hit & Run Crash - Highway 26 east of Gresham (Photos)
  UPDATE: A tip received Wednesday from Gresham Police Department related to Tuesday afternoon's two-vehicle serious injury hit and run crash on Highway 26 east of Gresham helped Oregon State Police (OSP) identify and take into custody a 14-year old Gresham-area boy Wednesday afternoon, February 8th. OSP detectives and troopers, with the assistance of Gresham police, contacted the boy who is a student at Sam Barlow High School. Subsequent to that contact he was taken into custody for Felony Hit & Run and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Information developed indicates the suspect juvenile stole the van from a rural tree farm east of Gresham and was alone at the time of the traffic crash. He had no visible injury but was examined by paramedics before being transported to Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Facility. His name is not being released at this time. *** OSP investigators would still like to hear from any witnesses to the crash or others who may have information to assist with this investigation by calling (503) 731-3030. Previously released information includes that on February 7, 2012 at approximately 4:40 p.m. a silver 1999 Ford van was westbound on Highway 26 near milepost 18 when it drifted into the center grass median. The van’s driver over-corrected, traveling back into the westbound lanes were it crashed into the driver’s side of a 2009 BMW X5 sport utility vehicle. The van then continued west, across the center median where it rolled and came to rest upright across both eastbound lanes. A witness told arriving officers that at least one person got out of the van and fled on foot. A canine led officers west toward Stone Road where the track ended. The other vehicle’s driver, DEAN JACKSON PACE, age 52, from Sandy, was seriously injured and transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health & Sciences University. He was using safety restraints and his vehicle’s airbags deployed. Family indicated his condition continues to improve. OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office are continuing the investigation. OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Borng Fire Department, AMR ambulance and ODOT. Lead investigator is Senior Trooper Dianne Roper. Photograph Source: Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 3 lbs of Marijuana, Arrest of Two Men - Highway 97 south of Klamath Falls
  Two men were arrested Sunday by Oregon State Police (OSP) after a trooper discovered approximately 3 pounds of marijuana concealed in their vehicle during a traffic stop on Highway 97 three miles north of the Oregon/California border. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On February 5, 2012 at approximately 9:06 a.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 2008 Dodge Charger displaying Washington license plates northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 289 for several traffic violations. During contact the two occupants were identified as driver CHRISTIAN A. NAVA, age 18, from Moses Lake, Washington and passenger MICHAEL J. ROBLES, age 31, from Fresno, California. Subsequent investigation related to the traffic stop led the trooper to find concealed inside the car approximately 3 pounds of marijuana and a small amount of methamphetamine. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $7,500. Both men were taken into custody and lodged in the Klamath County Jail on the following charges: * Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana * Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine No photographs available for this release. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 6 lbs of Heroin, One Arrest - Interstate 5 in Salem (Photos)
  An early Tuesday morning traffic stop along Interstate 5 in the Salem area led Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers to find approximately 6 pounds of heroin concealed inside the vehicle and the arrest of one person. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On February 7, 2012 at approximately 12:27 a.m. OSP troopers were involved in a stop of a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder displaying Nevada license plates for a traffic violation northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 253. The driver was identified as GERMAN GONZALEZ-ALMEJO, age 24, from Tijuana. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the assistance of an OSP drug detection canine resulted in troopers discovering approximately 1 ½ pounds of black tar heroin hidden in the vehicle. GONZALEZ-ALMEJO was arrested and lodged in the Marion County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin. Further investigation by troopers and Drug Enforcement Section detectives led to obtaining a search warrant and the discovery of an additional 4 ½ pounds of heroin in a second concealed location inside the vehicle. Total estimated value of the seized 6 pounds of a heroin is $272,000. OSP was assisted by Keizer Police Department. Photograph Source: Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Correction: OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Over 7 lbs of Marijuana, Charges for Two Washington Residents - Interstate 5 near Roseburg
  (CORRECTION: An male passenger previously identified as an 18-year old from Sedro Woolley, WA is now confirmed to be 17 years of age.) *** An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop Monday night along Interstate 5 near Roseburg led to the arrest of two Washington residents after they were found in possession of more than 7 lbs of marijuana in their vehicle. Both men are facing charges in Douglas County Circuit Court. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On February 6, 2012 at approximately 9:30 p.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 1990 Ford pickup northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 122 for a traffic violation. The two occupants were identified as driver MARC D. WESLEY, age 42, from Maple Falls, Washington and a 17-year old male passenger from Sedro Woolley, Washington. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop led OSP troopers to discover over 7 pounds of marijuana concealed in the pickup’s passenger compartment. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $17,500. Both men were detained and cited to appear at a later date in Douglas County Circuit Court of Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana. No photographs available for this release. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update #2: Victim Names Released - Double Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 211 at Canby-Marquam Highway west of Molalla
  NOTE Update: Victims are identified as driver VICTORIANO GARCIA MORALES, age 54, and passenger LAURA ASCENCIO-BAUTISTA, age 42, both from Woodburn. *** Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Sunday evening's two vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred at the intersection of Highway 211 and Canby-Marquam Highway (Highway 170) between Molalla and Woodburn. The crash resulted in the death of a man and woman and minor injuries to the other driver. According to OSP Sergeant Duane Larson, on February 5, 2012 at approximately 6:40 p.m. a 2001 Nissan Frontier pickup driven by VICTORIANO GARCIA MORALES, age 54, was southbound on Canby-Marquam Highway when it was involved in a collision with a tow truck traveling west of Highway 211. The tow truck collided into the pickup's driver side. After impact, the tow truck came to rest in a field off the highway and the pickup came to rest on the highway. GARCIA MORALES and passenger LAURA ASCENCIO-BAUTISTA, age 42, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Both were using safety restraints. Tow truck driver JAMES K. CURT, age 23, from Canby, received minor injuries and was taken by a private party to an area hospital. He was driving for Baker & Baker Towing and ws using safety restraints. The intersection is controlled by a stop sign for traffic on Canby-Marquam Highway. Investigating troopers believe the pickup failed to stop before entering the intersection. OSP was assisted at the scene by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Monitor Fire Department and ODOT. Highway 211 was closed at the scene during the investigation. No photographs for release at this time. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP###
  
• Minor Injury Crash Involving Two Vehicles and School Bus - Highway 20 near Lebanon (Photos)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday morning’s minor injury crash involving a school bus and two other vehicles on Highway 20 near Lebanon. No children on the bus were injured. According to Trooper Casi Hegney-Bach, on February 6, 2012 at approximately 10:00 a.m. a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria driven by ROBIN L. ROSS, age 48, from Lebanon, was stopped westbound on Highway 20 waiting to turn left onto Gore Drive when it was struck in the rear by a 1987 Ford pickup driven by ALLEN M. MANLEY, age 43, from Lebanon. After impact, the Ford Crown Victoria rotated around into the eastbound lane where it was hit a second time by an eastbound Lebanon Community School District bus whose driver wasn’t able to avoid the secondary collision. The bus driver, PAULA M. SHOULDERS, age 40, from Lebanon, and the three child passengers, ages 4 – 5, were not hurt. A 9-year old boy passenger in the Ford Crown Victoria was taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with minor injuries where he was treated and released. His mother, ROBIN ROSS, was not injured. MANLEY had a minor injury and declined transport to a hospital. OSP was assisted at the scene by Lebanon Police Department, Lebanon Medics, Linn County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT. Photograph Source: Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Two Blodgett-area Brothers Arrested Related to Elk Poaching Investigations in Lincoln County (Photos)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division, with the assistance of Benton County Sheriff’s Office, arrested two brothers related to two November 2011 elk poaching incidents in Lincoln County. According to Sergeant Todd Thompson, MITCHELL PAUL PRINDEL, age 23, and TONY McLAIN PRINDEL, age 24, both from Blodgett, were arrested February 3, 2011 related to the two elk poaching incidents. The first case started November 3, 2011 after a hunter found the remains of a 5-point bull elk on Starker Forest Stutz Tree Farm in the Burnt Woods area. Initial investigation indicated the bull elk was killed the previous evening. Two days later a dead cow elk was found in the same area. The cow elk was covered with brush and a large portion left to waste. OSP Fish & Wildlife Division troopers determined both poaching incidents were related. Senior Trooper Doug Canfield and Senior Trooper Ryan Kehr, with the assistance of Benton County Forest Deputy Brent Iverson, identified the two brothers as suspects. They were arrested and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges: MITCHELL PRINDEL * Unlawful Take of Elk to wit: Closed Season (2 counts) * Waste of a Game Mammal (2 counts) * Possession of Illegally Taken Game Parts * Tampering With Physical Evidence * Criminal Trespass with a Firearm * Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree * Hunting Elk Closed Season TONY PRINDEL * Aiding in a Wildlife Offense (4 counts) * Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree * Waste of a Game Mammal * Tampering With Physical Evidence (2 counts) * Conspiracy Photograph Sources: Elk photographs – Oregon State Police Suspect photographs – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• OSP Traffic Stop Leads to 24 lbs of Marijuana, Arrest of Washington Man - Interstate 5 in Roseburg
  An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop last Thursday on Interstate 5 in Roseburg led to the arrest of a northeast Washington man after troopers discovered approximately 24 pounds of marijuana concealed in the pickup he was driving. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On February 2, 2012 at approximately 5:08 p.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 2003 Dodge pickup displaying Washington license plates northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 123 for a traffic violation. The pickup’s driver was identified as KEVIN C. McKEAG, age 28, from Chattaroy, Washington. Subsequent investigation with the assistance of an OSP drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 24 pounds of marijuana concealed under the bed of the pickup. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $60,000. McKEAG was arrested and is scheduled to appear at a later date in Douglas County Circuit Court for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana. No photographs available for this release. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• OSP Traffic Stop Leads to 11 lbs of Marijuana, Arrest of Kuna, Idaho Father and Son - Burns, Oregon (Photos)
  A father and son from Kuna, Idaho were arrested Friday during an Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop in Burns for failing to yield to a pedestrian after they were found in possession of approximately 11 lbs of marijuana and a small amount of methamphetamine. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On February 3, 2012 at approximately 11:232 a.m. an OSP sergeant stopped a rented 2010 Chevrolet Malibu for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk on Broadway Street at "A" Street in Burns, Oregon. The driver was identified as KIRK YERTON, age 48, from Kuna, Idaho. He was accompanied by his 23-year old son, KODY YERTON. During the traffic stop, the sergeant saw KIRK YERTON place a small container on the ground by a fence. Upon inspection of the container, a small amount of methamphetamine and a pipe was found inside. KIRK YERTON was taken into custody for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Tampering with Evidence. Subsequent further investigation with the help of a Harney County Sheriff’s Office drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 11 lbs of marijuana inside a duffel bag in the car’s trunk. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $27,500. Both men were lodged in the Harney County Jail on the following charges: KIRK YERTON * Unlawful Delivery, Manufacturing and Possession of Marijuana * Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine * Tampering with Evidence KODY YERTON * Unlawful Delivery, Manufacturing and Possession of Marijuana KIRK YERTON was also cited for Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk. KODY YERTON was cited for Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle. Photograph Sources: Marijuana Photo - Oregon State Police Suspect Photos - Harney County Sheriff's Office ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 228 near Sweet Home (Photos)
  Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday morning’s single vehicle injury traffic crash along Highway 228 near Sweet Home. The involved vehicle crashed into a power pole resulting in an area power outage while repairs were made. According to Trooper Casi Hegney-Bach, on February 6, 2012 at approximately 5:25 a.m. a 2003 Ford pickup driven by DENISE MITCHELL, age 43, from Vida, was westbound on Highway 228 near milepost 13 when it lost control on an icy corner. The pickup spun off the highway, rolled onto its top and struck a power pole. The pole broke and fell next to the pickup. MITCHELL was able to exit the pickup and was later transported by ambulance to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital with minor injury. Pacific Power personnel responded to the scene and cut power while repairs are made. Repairs were completed about 11:00 a.m. Linn County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Pacific Power and Sweet Home Medics assisted at the scene. Photograph Source: Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Post-Super Bowl Weekend Statistics: Three Traffic Fatalities, Fewer DUII Arrests by OSP Troopers
  Preliminary information indicates 3 people died in two separate fatal traffic crashes during the 2012 Super Bowl weekend between 12:01 a.m., Saturday, February 4, and 5:59 a.m., Monday, February 6. During that time period, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers reported 38 DUII arrests, down from 59 DUII arrests reported during last year’s Super Bowl weekend. According to ODOT’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) there is information of two confirmed fatal traffic crashes: * On February 4, 2012 at approximately 10:58 p.m. a 19-year old male from Merlin, Oregon died in a single vehicle rollover crash on Highway 238 about four miles east of Murphy in Josephine County. The car’s 18-year old female driver was arrested the next morning upon release from a hospital on multiple charges including Manslaughter in the Second Degree and DUII. Alcohol was a contributing factor in this crash. OSP is the lead investigating agency. * On February 5, 2012 at approximately 6:40 p.m. two people died in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 211 and Canby-Marquam Highway between Molalla and Woodburn. Positive identification and next of kin notification is pending on both victims. No information of evidence of alcohol as a contributing factor. OSP is the lead investigating agency. Last year, there were two traffic fatalities in Oregon during Super Bowl weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Super Bowl Sunday has become one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving. NHTSA statistics show nationally on Super Bowl Sunday (12:01 a.m., Sunday, to 5:59 a.m., Monday) 48 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher. OSP offices reporting 3 or more DUII arrests during the weekend's nationwide effort to remove impaired drivers from the road: * Central Point Area Command – 6 DUII arrests * LaGrande Area Command – 4 DUII arrests * Albany Area Command – 4 DUII arrests * Portland Area Command – 4 DUII arrests * The Dalles Area Command – 4 DUII arrests * Springfield Area Command – 3 DUII arrests * St. Helens work site – 3 DUII arrests * North Plains work site – 3 DUII arrests Questions regarding other law enforcement agency DUII arrests statistics should be directed to those agencies. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Update #2: Photo of Driver Arrested - Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 238 east of Murphy in Josephine County (Photos)
  Note: GREENTREE Photograph - Josephine County Sheriff's Office *** Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a late Saturday night single vehicle fatal crash on Highway 238 four miles east of Murphy that resulted in the death of a 19-year old male. The driver and another passenger received non-life threatening injuries. Both were treated and released from a hospital after which OSP arrested the car's driver on multiple charges including manslaughter and DUII. Alcohol is a contributing factor and OSP urges drivers to have a designated driver today - Super Bowl Sunday - which is one of the nation's most dangerous days on the road due to impaired driving. On February 4, 2012 at approximately 10:58 p.m., OSP was notified of a single vehicle motor vehicle crash on Highway 238 near milepost 8. Medical responders arrived on scene approximately five minutes later and discovered one deceased person lying in the roadway. Initial investigation indicates a 1999 Saturn driven by RACHEL KELLY GREENTREE, age 18, from Grants Pass, was eastbound on Highway 238 near milepost 8. The car traveled off the right side of the roadway where it collided with a dirt embankment. The vehicle rolled, eventually coming to rest on its wheels on the left hand shoulder of the highway. GREENTREE was transported by ambulance to Three Rivers Hospital in Grants Pass for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. After release from the hospital Sunday morning, OSP arrested GREENTREE and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail on the following charges: * Manslaughter in the Second Degree * Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) * Reckless Driving * Assault in the Third Degree * Recklessly Endangering Another Person Right front passenger JOHNATHAN STADER, age 18, from Grants Pass, was transported to Three Rivers Hospital where he was treated and released. Rear seat passenger MAXX CHRISTOPHER, age 19, from Merlin, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not using safety restraints. GREENTREE and STADER were using safety restraints. The crash closed a portion of the highway for approximately three hours. OSP troopers from the Grants Pass worksite and Central Point Area Command office, with the assistance of the Josephine County District Attorney's Office, are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT, Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Rural Metro Fire Department and AMR Ambulance Services. According to NHTSA, forty-eight (48) percent of fatalities nationwide on Super Bowl Sunday involve a driver or motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. In 2010, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. Last year, two people died on Oregon roads following crashes after the conclusion of the Super Bowl football game. Both were in alcohol-involved traffic crashes. Over the last five years on Super Bowl weekend, 11 people have died in traffic crashes on Oregon roads. More information and tips related to Super Bowl weekend travel is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/01_30_2012_super_bowl_duii.shtml Crash Scene Photograph Source: Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 20W west of Tumalo
  One person was injured Friday afternoon in a near head-on crash involving a car and commercial truck on Highway 20W about four miles west of Tumalo. Oregon State Police (OSP) is completing the investigation and cited an involved driver. On February 3, 2012 at approximately 1:29 p.m. a 2006 Mercedes driven by JACK GRAHAM, age 68, from Sisters, was westbound on Highway 20W near milepost 13 negotiating a curve when it crossed the centerline and collided nearly head-on with an eastbound 2000 Peterbuilt truck pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with lumber. A third vehicle, a 2009 Honda Civic, drove into the ditch to avoid the collision. GRAHAM was transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with non-life threatening injuries. He was cited by OSP for Fail to Drive on Right Side of Highway. The truck’s driver, STEVEN C. JORGENSEN, age 53, from Newell, Iowa was not injured. The lumber load did not spill. The Honda’s driver was not injured. Senior Trooper Joseph Craig from the Bend Area Command office is completing the investigation. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT and local fire personnel assisted at the scene. The highway was closed about two hours. No OSP photographs available for this release. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• Four Injured in Crash Involving Bandon School District Bus and Van east of Albany
  Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Friday night’s injury traffic crash involving a Bandon School District bus and a van at the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 226 east of Albany. Two students and the van’s two occupants were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. The names of the students are not available for this release. On February 3, 2012 at approximately 8:45 p.m. a 2005 Chrysler van driven by DONNA K. PERDUE, age 73, from Corvallis, was stopped at a stop sign westbound on Highway 226 at the intersection with Highway 20. The van pulled onto Highway 20 and collided into the left side of a Bandon School District bus that was eastbound on Highway 20 intending to turn left onto Highway 226. DONNA PERDUE and passenger DONALD E. PERDUE, age 86, were extricated from the van by fire personnel from Albany Fire Department. They were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with serious, non-life threatening injuries. Bus driver THOMAS J. HUTTON, age 68, from Bandon, was not injured. The bus reportedly contained approximately 20 passengers, two of which received minor injuries and were taken to Lebanon Community Hospital for treatment. There is no information available regarding their school or scheduled activity. OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Linn County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, and Lebanon Rural Fire Protection District assisted at the scene. No other information or OSP photographs available for this release. Link to aerial map view where crash happened: http://mapq.st/AdMgly ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
  
• OSP Arrests One Person During Early Morning Incident at Mahonia Hall in Salem (Photo)
  One person was arrested Friday by Oregon State Police (OSP) after a small group of demonstrators were interrupted outside of Mahonia Hall, the official governor’s mansion in Salem. On February 3, 2012 at approximately 6:45 a.m. a van pulled up in front of Mahonia Hall. Several individuals got out of the van and unloaded several dry Christmas trees near the front security gate. An OSP trooper providing security at the mansion interrupted the group and detained one person. The others fled the area in the van and were not identified. JOHN WINSTON ZATKOWSKY, age 23, from Eugene, was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree and Offensive Littering. He was transported to the Marion County Jail and was released after booking. No one was at Mahonia Hall when this incident occurred. Photograph Source: Marion County Sheriff’s Office ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###