A Eugene man was arrested Saturday afternoon following a single vehicle crash involving a stolen car into a bus stop. An area search involving city, county and state police officers led to his Glenwood-area residence where he was taken into custody. A female also seen running from the scene has not been identified or located.
On March 20, 2010 at approximately 5:28 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) Recruit Trooper Michael Pelkey was dispatched to a report of a Honda Civic colliding with a bus stop structure on Franklin Boulevard near Mississippi Avenue. Two occupants, a man and woman, were seen running from the scene. A local police canine unit was nearby and first on the scene, starting a track of two people that ran from the car which was determined to be stolen.
With the canine's help, police officers from Eugene, Springfield and Lane County tracked the driver to a Lexington Avenue residence a few blocks from the crash scene.
JEREMY RAY COLEMAN, age 26, was arrested on multiple charges including four warrants. He was lodged in the Lane County Jail on the warrants and also facing the following charges:
* Warrant - Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
* Warrant - Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
* Warrant - Fail to Appear in the First Degree
* Warrant - Fail to Appear in the First Degree (3 counts)
* DUII
* Hit & Run - Property Damage
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
He was also cited for Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Driving Uninsured.
The crash investigation indicated the Honda was traveling westbound on Franklin Boulevard, attempted to turn left onto Mississippi Avenue when it crashed into a portion the bus stop structure. Witnesses said the COLEMAN was driving at a fast speed contributing to the failure to safely make the turn.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a single-vehicle crash on Highway 126E near Vida that left two people dead. Both names are withheld pending completion of next of kin notification.
According to OSP Sergeant Michael Brewster, on March 20, 2010 at approximately 8:13 p.m., a 1956 Ford sedan driven by a 64 year-old man was eastbound on Highway 126E at milepost 33 negotiating a curve when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle came to rest down an embankment off the highway. The driver and 54-year old male passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene. Troopers report that it appears neither occupant was using safety restraints.
OSP troopers from the Springfield Area Command office are continuing the investigation. OSP was assisted on scene by ODOT and McKenzie Fire & Rescue.
The eastbound lane was closed for approximately 5 hours during the investigation.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Saturday evening's single vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 26 near milepost 16 just west of the intersection with SE 267th Avenue. A 65-year old southeast Portland man died in the crash after his car came to rest on the opposite of the guardrail. The investigation is looking into the possibility a medical problem was a contributing factor.
According to OSP Sergeant Duane Larson, on March 20, 2010 at approximately 6:00 p.m. RONALD BRUCE ERICKSON, age 65, from southeast Portland, was driving a 2002 Buick LeSabre eastbound on Highway 26 when he became involved in a minor non-injury crash with another vehicle at the Hillyard Road intersection. ERICKSON continued driving westbound in the eastbound lanes where the highway briefly splits for about 1/2 mile before coming back together at SE 267th Avenue. Approaching the SE 267th Avenue intersection, the Buick struck the westbound guardrail, damaging approximately 200 feet before going over the guardrail and coming to rest on the grass shoulder.
ERICKSON was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. Information provided to troopers is that ERICKSON was diabetic and that he may have had a medical problem while driving.
OSP troopers were assisted at the scene by ODOT, Gresham Fire Department, Gresham Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are investigating a single vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 26 near milepost 16 just west of the intersection with SE 267th Avenue. An adult male died in the crash after his car came to rest on the opposite of the guardrail. One westbound lane and both eastbound lanes are getting through.
Preliminary information indicates on March 20, 2010 at approximately 6:00 p.m. the victim was driving eastbound on Highway 26 when he became involved in a minor non-injury crash with another vehicle at the Hillyard Road intersection. The victim continued driving westbound in the eastbound lanes where the highway briefly splits for about 1/2 mile before coming back together at SE 267th Avenue. Approaching the SE 267th Avenue intersection, the victim's car struck the westbound guardrail, damaging approximately 200 feet before going over the guardrail and coming to rest on the grass shoulder.
The victim was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been positively identified but his name is withheld pending next of kin notification.
OSP troopers were assisted at the scene by ODOT, Gresham Fire Department, Gresham Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
No more information for release until scene investigation completed.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
This week several members of the Salem Police Department received text messages on our department-issued cellular phones. Here is the message:
BOTC Alert: Your CARD starting with 42665* has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at 800-780-1851 to REACTIVATE your CARD.
There were several officers in the same room when they received this message and none of them had an account at the Bank of the Cascades, so this was obviously a hoax. An attempt to call the phone number on the message was unsuccessful, as the number is no longer in service. This message was most likely intended to have victims call back and provide their personal and/or financial information to be used for identity theft.
The Bank of the Cascades was contacted, and they confirmed that they do not currently have any programs or capabilities in place to make mass notifications of account holders via text messaging.
Most financial institutions will not make mass notifications to their customers in this manner. We advise that if you receive a message like this, do not call the number back because scam artists often set up bogus phone banks and have people answering those phones imitating a legitimate business. Look up the phone number for your financial institution through directory assistance or by other means than the numbers provided in the message, then call the institution to see if the correspondence is legitimate. Also, do not click on any links provided, as they will most likely take you to a false website.
The Salem Police Department would like to remind the public to NEVER give out and/or verify personal information to anybody over the phone or on the internet unless you can absolutely verify to whom you are speaking and why the information is needed. Banking institutions and government agencies who have a need to know that information will most certainly already have it and will have no need to have you verify it for them again. Scam artists set up bogus websites that look almost identical to authentic websites, even using company logos and symbols. Do not click on links to these websites that come with unsolicited or unexpected messages. Go onto the internet yourself and research the company and verify the correct website for that company before conducting any further business.
If you receive a call and are not sure if it is legitimate or not, tell the person that you need to verify the validity of call, then look up the number for the company independently and check with them directly. In some cases, the caller has had some personal information of the victims. Do not think that just because the caller already has some information that it is a valid call or inquiry. Again, if a financial institution or government agency already has that much information, there will be no need for them to verify that information again.
A 20-year old Springfield man and his 9-month old son were critically injured Friday morning when the car they were in was struck by a box truck at the intersection of Highway 99 and Milliron Road south of Junction City. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and collision reconstructionists from the Springfield Area Command office are continuing the investigation.
According to OSP Trooper Cale Day, on March 19, 2010 at approximately 8:00 a.m. a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta driven by CODY ORAM JACKSON, age 20, from Springfield, was eastbound on Milliron Road traveling through the intersection with Highway 99 when it was struck in the passenger side by a northbound 1992 GMC box truck. After impact, both vehicles came to a rest off the highway.
CODY JACKSON and his 9-month old son, ELI JACKSON, were critically injured. CODY was using safety restraints and his son was in a child safety seat positioned in the middle rear seat. Both were initially transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. The child was later transported to Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.
The box truck's driver, KEVIN M. JOHNSON, age 43, and his wife/passenger, BRENDA LEE JOHNSON, age 43, both from Pleasant Hill, were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with minor injuries. Safety restraint use is pending confirmation.
The intersection is controlled by a stop sign for traffic on Milliron Road.
OSP is continuing the investigation. Lane Rural Fire District and ODOT assisted at the scene. One northbound lane of Highway 99 was closed about 4 hours during the scene investigation.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
State troopers, county deputies and city police agencies along the Interstate 5 corridor from the Oregon border through Roseburg are increasing patrols during a five-day Spring Break period, March 22 - 26. The around-the-clock interagency increased patrol presence will put more police officers along more than 120 miles of Interstate 5, so participating agencies are reminding motorists of the requirement to "Move Over" for police and others working along our highways.
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers at the Central Point Area Command office helped organize this multi-agency five day enforcement project blanketing this southern Oregon stretch of Interstate 5. Law enforcement agencies participating are:
* OSP offices at Central Point, Grants Pass, and Roseburg
* Medford Police Department
* Jackson County Sheriff's Office
* Josephine County Sheriff's Office
* Douglas County Sheriff's Office
* Grants Pass Department of Public Safety
* Roseburg Police Department.
OSP Senior Trooper Kirk Freeman stressed that the main goal is to prevent traffic crashes and find those drivers who are posing a danger to other motorists trying to travel safely during Spring Break.
"Our hope is that the visible enforcement presence will remind all drivers to travel safe, obeying our traffic laws no matter where they will be going. We also want motorists to remember they need to be watching for our safety while we work for their safety," said Freeman.
Anyone seeing a possible intoxicated driver or other dangerous driver is asked to call 9-1-1 or OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 776-6111.
Effective January 1, 2010, Oregon's "Move Over" law had two important additions to the law originally passed in 2003 to increase safety for travelers and those working along our roads. "Failure to Maintain a Safe Distance from Emergency Vehicle or Ambulance" was amended to add roadside assistance vehicles and tow vehicles to the list of vehicles requiring motorists to "maintain a safe distance" when driving up behind or next to when their emergency lights are activated. When not required to change lanes (i.e., two lane road) or if it is unsafe to do so, the law now clarifies that "slow down" means reducing one's speed by at least 5 mph below the post speed limit.
Violation of the "Move Over" law is a class B traffic violation with a listed traffic citation bail amount of $287.
Forty-seven states around the country have similar "Move Over" laws. Over 150 law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 while rendering assistance along America's roads.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Friday morning's fatal traffic crash southbound on Interstate 5 south of Gold Hill. One person died and two others were seriously injured.
According to OSP Senior Trooper William Matson, on March 19, 2010 at approximately 4:49 a.m. a commercial truck pulling two trailers loaded with wood chip products was driven by KENNETH WAYNE MOSS, age 49, from Grants Pass, southbound on Interstate 5 in the right lane near milepost 39 uphill at approximately 20 mph. A 1996 Chevrolet van driven by CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, age 32, from Santa Rosa, California was approaching from the rear in the right lane, failed to move into the left lane and crashed into the back of the rear trailer.
RODRIGUEZ was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints and the van's airbags deployed.
Right front passenger/wife DEBORAH SOLIS, age 36, was critically injured. Middle rear seat passenger IMMER E. CASTILLO-GARCIA, age 27, from Daly City, California was seriously injured. After being extricated from the van by Jackson County Fire District 3 firefighters, both were transported by Mercy Flights ambulance to Rogue Valley Medical Center. SOLIS was using safety restraints. Use of safety restraints by CASTILLO-GARCIA is pending confirmation.
MOSS was using safety restraints and wasn't injured. He was driving for Erv Bettendorf Trucking out of White City.
OSP troopers from the Central Point Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office and ODOT assisted at the scene. Traffic was allowed to travel through the area using the inside shoulder.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
(Note: Correction to spelling of Senior Trooper Freeman's last name)
State troopers, county deputies and city police agencies along the Interstate 5 corridor from the Oregon border through Roseburg are increasing patrols during a five-day Spring Break period, March 22 - 26. The around-the-clock interagency increased patrol presence will put more police officers along more than 120 miles of Interstate 5, so participating agencies are reminding motorists of the requirement to "Move Over" for police and others working along our highways.
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers at the Central Point Area Command office helped organize this multi-agency five day enforcement project blanketing this southern Oregon stretch of Interstate 5. Law enforcement agencies participating are:
* OSP offices at Central Point, Grants Pass, and Roseburg
* Medford Police Department
* Jackson County Sheriff's Office
* Josephine County Sheriff's Office
* Douglas County Sheriff's Office
* Grants Pass Department of Public Safety
* Roseburg Police Department.
OSP Senior Trooper Kirk Freeman stressed that the main goal is to prevent traffic crashes and find those drivers who are posing a danger to other motorists trying to travel safely during Spring Break.
"Our hope is that the visible enforcement presence will remind all drivers to travel safe, obeying our traffic laws no matter where they will be going. We also want motorists to remember they need to be watching for our safety while we work for their safety," said Freeman.
Anyone seeing a possible intoxicated driver or other dangerous driver is asked to call 9-1-1 or OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 776-6111.
Effective January 1, 2010, Oregon's "Move Over" law had two important additions to the law originally passed in 2003 to increase safety for travelers and those working along our roads. "Failure to Maintain a Safe Distance from Emergency Vehicle or Ambulance" was amended to add roadside assistance vehicles and tow vehicles to the list of vehicles requiring motorists to "maintain a safe distance" when driving up behind or next to when their emergency lights are activated. When not required to change lanes (i.e., two lane road) or if it is unsafe to do so, the law now clarifies that "slow down" means reducing one's speed by at least 5 mph below the post speed limit.
Violation of the "Move Over" law is a class B traffic violation with a listed traffic citation bail amount of $287.
Forty-seven states around the country have similar "Move Over" laws. Over 150 law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 while rendering assistance along America's roads.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
State troopers, county deputies and city police agencies along the Interstate 5 corridor from the Oregon border through Roseburg are increasing patrols during a five-day Spring Break period, March 22 - 26. The around-the-clock interagency increased patrol presence will put more police officers along more than 120 miles of Interstate 5, so participating agencies are reminding motorists of the requirement to "Move Over" for police and others working along our highways.
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers at the Central Point Area Command office helped organize this multi-agency five day enforcement project blanketing this southern Oregon stretch of Interstate 5. Law enforcement agencies participating are:
* OSP offices at Central Point, Grants Pass, and Roseburg
* Medford Police Department
* Jackson County Sheriff's Office
* Josephine County Sheriff's Office
* Douglas County Sheriff's Office
* Grants Pass Department of Public Safety
* Roseburg Police Department.
OSP Senior Trooper Kirk Freekman stressed that the main goal is to prevent traffic crashes and find those drivers who are posing a danger to other motorists trying to travel safely during Spring Break.
"Our hope is that the visible enforcement presence will remind all drivers to travel safe, obeying our traffic laws no matter where they will be going. We also want motorists to remember they need to be watching for our safety while we work for their safety," said Freeman.
Anyone seeing a possible intoxicated driver or other dangerous driver is asked to call 9-1-1 or OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 776-6111.
Effective January 1, 2010, Oregon's "Move Over" law had two important additions to the law originally passed in 2003 to increase safety for travelers and those working along our roads. "Failure to Maintain a Safe Distance from Emergency Vehicle or Ambulance" was amended to add roadside assistance vehicles and tow vehicles to the list of vehicles requiring motorists to "maintain a safe distance" when driving up behind or next to when their emergency lights are activated. When not required to change lanes (i.e., two lane road) or if it is unsafe to do so, the law now clarifies that "slow down" means reducing one's speed by at least 5 mph below the post speed limit.
Violation of the "Move Over" law is a class B traffic violation with a listed traffic citation bail amount of $287.
Forty-seven states around the country have similar "Move Over" laws. Over 150 law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 while rendering assistance along America's roads.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Army National Guard OH-58 Kiowa helicopter returned from Curry County, supporting the search for Zoey Dorsey, a 4-year-old, who was found alive by ground search crews last night.
The helicopter and crew returned to the Army Aviation Support Facility #1 in Salem, this morning.
For further information regarding the search, contact the Curry County Sherriff's office.
For the Army Fact File on the OH-58 Kiowa go to: http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/aircraft/kiowa.html
-30-
As more financially distressed borrowers seek mortgage loan modifications and other alternatives to help them keep their homes, the number of "foreclosure rescue" crimes continues to rise, according to the FBI.
While some mortgage assistance efforts are indeed legitimate, other struggling homeowners find themselves victimized by scams that promise hope but end up costing them thousands of dollars and, in some cases, their homes.
While many homeowners work directly with their mortgage company to pursue a modification, others prefer to work with an agency that can help them navigate the process.
If you're considering using an agency to help you modify your mortgage, here are four things that Wells Fargo Home Mortgage advises a homeowner should never do:
1. Never use an agency that is not HUD-certified. - A number of agencies have adopted official sounding names and created impressive marketing materials to make them appear to be a government agency or endorsed by the government. Do your homework to make sure they are HUD-certified.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains a list online at www.hud.gov of approved non-profit counseling agencies that can assist homeowners seeking a loan modification (search for "foreclosure avoidance counseling").
If a company contacts you and offers assistance, call your nearest HUD office or check its website to ensure you're working with an approved housing counseling agency.
2. Never pay upfront fees. - HUD-approved counseling agencies get their funding from HUD and, in some cases, mortgage companies. If you work with a HUD-approved counseling agency, you won't be asked to pay an upfront fee to start the process. If a company requires an upfront fee or guarantees you a modification, seek help elsewhere.
3. Never send a payment anywhere other than your mortgage company. - A number of homeowners have signed "modification" documents and then started sending their monthly payments to another company.
In reality, they may have inadvertently signed over the title of their home to a scam artist and, adding insult to injury, are now writing checks directly to the fraudster. In the meantime, their existing mortgage loan is still in place and they are falling further behind on payments.
4. Never ignore correspondence. - Legitimate housing counselors will tell you not to ignore phone calls or letters from your mortgage company, and you shouldn't. Beware of any firm or counselor who advises you not to respond to your mortgage company at any time during the process.
Contacting your mortgage company to discuss a loan modification is a major financial decision. You always have the option of working directly with your loan servicer to discuss your modification options, but for those homeowners who prefer to work with a housing counselor, it's important to make sure the counseling firm you work with is one who is interested in helping you.
If you have any doubts about the agency you're relying on for help, contact your mortgage lender first. Your lender can tell you if you qualify for a government program or any of its own loan refinancing options.
More information about obtaining legitimate mortgage assistance is available for free online at hopenow.com, makinghomeaffordable.gov and wellsfargo.com.
More information about avoiding foreclosure rescue scams is also available for free online at numerous sites, including: www.ftc.gov; www.fbi.gov; www.loanscamalert.org; www.fraudproblem.com; www.justice.gov; and www.aarp.org.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,000 stores and 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo announced on March 12 that its total mortgage loan modifications have surpassed half a million since the beginning of 2009, with one third of those modified through the government's Home Affordable Modification Program.
# # #
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and detectives are continuing the investigation into Thursday afternoon's incident along Highway 20E that led to the arrest of a 52-year old Elkton, Oregon man east of Bend. The ongoing investigation confirmed the alleged crime happened in Deschutes County, not Lake County as was originally believed based on initial information. In addition to the location correction, investigators also said the victim is a common law domestic partner, not the suspect's wife.
OSP Criminal Investigation Division detectives and troopers are continuing to investigate the incident today. Working during the night, they secured the suspect's motor home and will work with OSP Forensic Services Division personnel to process it for evidence. Investigators are also out at ODOT property near milepost 67 this morning where the crime is alleged to have happened.
The suspect, ROY HILL, age 52, from Elkton, was arrested Thursday afternoon, March 18, 2010 east of Bend after OSP and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office received information from Harney County Sheriff's Office that they were in contact with a female stopped in a vehicle on Highway 20E near Burns. The 55-year old woman alleged she and HILL were traveling in separate vehicles when they stopped along Highway 20E. She stated that as she was in the motor home that HILL had been driving, he shot at her with a shotgun while they were stopped along the highway. The woman was able to get to her vehicle and drove eastbound as he drove westbound. She further told deputies that he was intoxicated.
OSP troopers and Deschutes County deputies were looking for the 33-foot motor home pulling a utility trailer when it was spotted by a trooper and subsequently stopped on Powell Butte Highway about 1/2 mile north of Highway 20E. Officers conducted felony stop procedures at gunpoint at 5:25 p.m. They advised HILL was in custody at 5:33 p.m.
HILL is currently lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:
* Attempted Murder
* Attempted Assault in the First Degree
* Unlawful Use of a Weapon
* Menacing
* Harassment
* DUII
Bail is currently set at $266,000. Arraignment questions should be directed to Deschutes County District Attorney's Office.
Photograph Source: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and detectives are working with Harney County Sheriff's Office and Lake County District Attorney's Office in an investigation related to an arrest Thursday afternoon of a 52-year old man east of Bend. The pngoing investigation involves an alleged crime in Lake County on a small section of Highway 20E, the contact of a victim in Harney County, and the subsequent arrest in Deschutes County. Some information is being released tonight and more may be provided by Friday afternoon.
Preliminary information indicates on March 18, 2010 at approximately 5:00 p.m. the Harney County Sheriff's Office notified OSP and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office that they were in contact with a female stopped in a vehicle on Highway 20E near Burns. The woman alleged she and her husband were traveling in separate vehicles when they stopped along a small section of Highway 20E in Lake County. She stated that as she was in the motor home that her husband drove, he shot at her with a shotgun while they were stopped along the highway. The woman was able to get to her vehicle and drove eastbound as he drove westbound. She further told deputies that he was intoxicated.
OSP troopers and Deschutes County deputies were looking for the 33-foot motor home when it was spotted by a trooper and subsequently stopped on Powell Butte Highway about 1/2 mile north of Highway 20E. Officers conducted felony stop procedures at gunpoint at 5:25 p.m. They advised the driver was in custody at 5:33 p.m.
ROY HILL, age 52, from Elkton, was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for DUII. Other charges are anticipated based upon additional investigation.
No more information set for release tonight.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
An advisory group to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) on state-managed forestland in northwest Oregon will meet Friday, March 26, in Forest Grove to discuss planned annual operations and revenue projections.
The meeting at the Forest Grove Community Auditorium, 1915 Main St., is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend the meeting; comment periods are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The committee will discuss ODF's annual operations plans for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2010 and runs through June 30, 2011. These plans include timber sales and projects focusing on habitat improvement, recreation and road management. The plans are publicly reviewed each year and then approved by district foresters.
Other topics include the current revenue projection, interim recreation guidance and an in-depth look at the challenges - operable acres, inventory and transportation planning - facing the Tillamook District. The committee also will receive updates on the process to revise the forest management plan and the public input collected to chart improvements to the "greatest permanent value" administrative rule.
State Forests Advisory Committee is made up of citizens and interest group representatives from timber, environmental and recreational groups. Committee membership is listed at: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/STATE_FORESTS/docs/SFAC_Roster.pdf. New members will be rotating on to the committee at this meeting.
The committee was formed to provide a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan approved in 2001. The plan provides guidance for 616,000 acres in the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam state forests, and scattered tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties.
The plan for northwest state forests calls for ODF to actively manage the state forestlands for economic, environmental and social resource benefits. The plan strives to provide a balanced approach to generate revenue while providing environmental and social values.
Two-thirds of the revenue generated goes to the 15 counties that deeded these lands to the state. ODF retains one-third to manage the forests and protect them from fire. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, revenue payments to counties totaled $42.5 million.
(Note: Correction to victim's city of residence. Information now indicates he moved from Oregon City to the Keizer area where he was working.)
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Thursday morning's fatal pedestrian-involved crash southbound Interstate 5 in the Keizer/Salem area.
Preliminary investigation indicates on March 18, 2010 at 5:44 a.m. a 2000 GMC Yukon driven by LARRY M. BENNETT, age 61, from Woodinville, Washington was southbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 259 in the middle lane when it struck a male pedestrian who appeared to be trying to cross the freeway from the west to east. After the first collision, the drivers of four other vehicles reported also running over the struck pedestrian identified as DALE ALLEN UNDERWOOD, age 44, from Keizer.
UNDERWOOD was pronounced deceased at the scene. The severity of the injuries after being struck by at least five vehicles required closure of the southbound lanes for the investigation and removal of the victim. The southbound lanes were closed about three hours.
Part of the ongoing investigation includes trying to determine why UNDERWOOD was in the area of Interstate 5. No associated vehicle was found near the freeway. He was employed at a Keizer-area restaurant not near the freeway.
OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. No photographs to be released.
ODOT and Salem Fire Department assisted at the scene.
OSP would like to talk to anyone who had contact with UNDERWOOD in the hours before this incident. Anyone with helpful information related to this investigation is asked to call Trooper Joseph Skipper at (503) 378-3387 ext. 32000.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
On March 17th, 2010, the joint Street Crimes Unit (SCU) made up of investigators from both the Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Corvallis Police Department, along with additional Corvallis Police Officers and Benton County Sheriff's Deputies served search warrants in connection to an organized criminal marijuana distribution network. Search warrants were served at 1024 NW Fillmore #1 and 5246 SW Technology Loop, both addresses in Corvallis. About 14 pounds of packaged marijuana were seized, along with cash and distribution materials.
Arrested on the criminal charges listed below was: Cody Hufeld, Victoria McKenna and Charles Newquest.
During the service of the search warrants, information was developed leading the SCU investigators to seek additional search warrants related to crimes of Dog Fighting (ORS 167.365) and Possession of Dog Fighting Paraphernalia (ORS167.372) -- both Dog Fighting statutes are Felony crimes.
On March 18, 2010, the joint Street Crimes Unit served a search warrant at 19365 South Fork Road, Alsea, Benton County. Located at the scene were 15 dogs believed to be "pit bulls", of which some have injuries consistent with dogs that have been utilized for dog fighting. It is unknown at this time, if any dog fighting events occurred at this location in Benton County. Also seized was additional evidence consistent with training and breeding dogs to fight. The 15 dogs have been seized and their health and injuries are being evaluated for treatment and rehabilitation. We are working with the Heartland Humane Society located in Corvallis, whom have been an excellent resource and partner in this investigation.
This investigation is on-going. Additional criminal charges are expected to be filed.
Cody A. Hufeld, WMA, 03/05/78, 32yoa,
1024 NW Filmore #1, Corvallis, Oregon
Criminal Charges:
1. Unlawful Deliver of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B Felony), 1 Count
2. Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B Felony), 1 Count
3. Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana - Substantial Quantity (Class B Felony), 1 Count
4. Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration - Substantial Quantity (Class B Felony), 1 Count
Lodged: Benton County Correctional Facility
Bail: $150,000 Dollars
Victoria L. McKenna, WFA, 10-16-80, 29 yoa
5246 SW Technology Loop, Corvallis, Oregon
Criminal Charges:
5. Unlawful Deliver of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B Felony), 1 Count
6. Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration (Class B Felony), 1 Count
7. Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana - Substantial Quantity (Class B Felony), 1 Count
8. Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration - Substantial Quantity (Class B Felony), 1 Count
Lodged: Benton County Correctional Facility
Bail: $150,000 Dollars
Charles D. Newquist, WMA, 12/14/81, 28 yoa
1024 NW Filmore #1, Corvallis, Oregon
Criminal Charges:
1. Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana, (Class B Felony) 2 Counts
2. Possession of Weapons by Certain Felons (Felony), 2 Counts
Lodged: Benton County Correctional Facility
Bail: $95,000
Izzy's Pizzeria was robbed on March 16, 2010 by an armed gunman at approximately 7:40pm.
Video surveillance obtained from Izzy's Pizzeria depicts the robbers' approach, handgun pointed at the employee, the robbery itself and his get away. Citizen's present during the robbery playing lottery machines were immediately alerted to the incident and without hesitation came to the aid of the employee and attempted to catch the robber.
The Corvallis Police Department, by providing this video, is hoping someone can identify the suspect. The suspect is described as a White male with a thick brown or black mustache, approximately 6 feet in height, who was wearing blue jeans, a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Poole of the Corvallis Police Department, at 541-766-6975.
SALEM, Ore. (Mar. 18, 2010) - The Oregon Army National Guard has launched an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter to Curry County in support of the Curry County Sherriff's Office search for four year old Zoey Dorsey, who was reported missing Wednesday afternoon.
The search is centered around an area about two miles east of Brookings near the Chetco River.
According to the Brookings Police Department, Dorsey was reported missing from her residence at about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, located at the top of Mountain Drive.
The Oregon Army National Guard's OH-58 helicopter lifted off from Salem at approximately 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning. The aircraft is equipped with Forward-Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) technology, which allows the pilot to find persons by distinguishing their body heat from trees, terrain and other obstacles. It also improves visibility both at night and in adverse weather conditions.
The Curry County Sheriff's Department is the lead agency coordinating all search efforts. They are planning to hold a press conference at 12:00 p.m. today, at the Brookings Police Department located at 307 3rd Avenue, Brookings, Ore.
For the Army Fact File on the OH-58 Kiowa go to: http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/aircraft/kiowa.html
See the attached press release from the Curry County Sheriff's Office for more details on the search.
March 18, 2010
Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H., has been appointed as the head of the Oregon Public Health Division. Kohn has been serving as the acting public health director and state health officer since September 2008. His appointment comes after a national search for a director.
"Dr. Kohn, with his dedication and years of experience, is uniquely qualified to serve Oregonians in their public health needs. He was instrumental in guiding the state through the H1N1 pandemic," said Bruce Goldberg, M.D., director of the Oregon Department of Human Services. "I know he will be an outstanding leader and will help assure a focus on health and prevention in our work creating the new Oregon Health Authority."
Oregon Public Health will become part of the Oregon Health Authority, with the goal to promote the health of Oregonians.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the many highly capable leaders throughout Oregon's public health system, both among my own staff and at county health departments in every community," Kohn said.
The Public Health Division operates more than 100 prevention-related programs. Programs include maternal and child health and nutrition, disease and injury prevention, drinking water and environmental health monitoring, hospital licensing, emergency medical services regulation, public health laboratory services, school-based health centers, immunizations, radiation exposure monitoring, food safety, tobacco education and prevention, acute and communicable disease prevention, and vital records.
Kohn previously served as state epidemiologist and administrator of the DHS Office of Disease Prevention and Epidemiology. He has worked in the public health sector since 1993, including two years as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before joining the department Kohn was medical director for the Injury Prevention Section of the Louisiana Office of Public Health in New Orleans, and also served as an assistant professor of pediatrics at Tulane University School of Medicine. Kohn received a bachelor of arts degree in Russian and East European studies from Yale in 1981, received his medical degree from Harvard in 1990, and received his master's in public health from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 1997. He is board-certified in pediatrics and preventive medicine.
Kohn is also the president of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists; a member of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers Education Committee and the chairman of the Northwest Health Foundation Board.
# # #