RELEASE DATE: August 17^th, 2026

INCIDENT: Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

CASE NUMBER: 26-22325

INCIDENT DATE / TIME: August 17^th, 2026 at 2:08 pm

REPORTING DEPUTY: Lieutenant Jim Geiger

DECEASED: Mark Freeland, 68 years old

DETAILS:

On August 17, 2026, at approximately 2:08 p.m., 9-1-1 received a report of a vehicle crash in the 2500 block of Coyote Creek Road.

First responders arrived and located a single vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a large tree. The driver, identified as Mark Freeland, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The initial investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling outbound on Coyote Creek Road when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and collided with the tree.

Next of kin has been notified.

No further information is available at this time.

Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to a reported structure fire on Lincoln Street. Several bystanders reported that approximately half of the residence was on fire.

While responding, KCFD1 crews were advised that it was unknown whether the homeowner was still inside the residence. Crews arrived on scene within four minutes and immediately began applying water to the exterior of the structure to slow the spread of the fire.

The first-arriving Captain completed a 360-degree assessment of the residence and identified the presence of a basement. Identifying basements and other structural features early in an incident is critical to both firefighter and occupant safety and assists the Incident Commander in developing an effective strategy for the incident.

Firefighters then made an aggressive interior attack and extinguished the fire while additional crews conducted a search of the residence for occupants. The search confirmed that no one was inside the home. During the operation, firefighters located a dog at the rear of the residence. The dog was safely removed and released to the Klamath Falls Police Department.

KCFD1 responded to the incident with 16 total personnel.  Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to thank Klamath 9-1-1, the Klamath Falls Police Department, Avista Utilities, and Pacific Power for their excellent coordination and prompt response to the incident.

KCFD1 also reminds the community of the importance of immediately calling 9-1-1 when a fire is discovered and providing dispatchers with as much information as possible regarding the location of the fire and whether anyone may still be inside the structure.

TYGH VALLEY, Ore. — Oregon National Guard senior leaders flew from Salem to the Grasshopper Fire camp aboard an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with Golf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation, Aug. 17, 2026, to visit Air National Guard members supporting wildland firefighting operations, thanking the airmen for volunteering to fight one of the state's largest active wildfires.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, led the visit alongside Brig. Gen. Jenifer E. Pardy, director of the Joint Staff; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, command chief warrant officer; Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, the state chaplain; and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader. Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek's office, also joined the visit to meet with the airmen on the governor's behalf.

"This is a big deal for Oregonians, big deal for the Guard, to go out and see National Guardsmen out fighting fire, doing what we're trained to do," Gronewold told the group. "What we're here to do is protect Oregonians and their property, and you guys are doing that."

The Grasshopper Fire had burned more than 90,000 acres and was 47% contained as of Aug. 17. The fire camp supporting the response has grown to approximately 1,800 personnel, with about 1,550 directly engaged in firefighting operations.

Among the airmen Gronewold and the other leaders met with were Senior Airman Colby Shoals and Senior Airman Connor Carlson, both assigned to the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, nicknamed "Chaos," out of the 173rd Fighter Wing. Shoals said the physically demanding work of wildland firefighting fits naturally with the team's usual training.

"It's right up our alley," Shoals said. "What we do day to day at the base, we're already working together out in the field, so it's pretty much another day on the job for us."

Carlson said the team has taken on some of the more physically demanding tasks on the fire line, including carrying water on their backs to perform wet mop-up work.

"We've been able to pick up a lot of those heavier tasks, like carrying a bladder pack on us, so we can do that wet mop-up where it's easier rather than doing dry mop-up," Carlson said.

Shoals said the mission mirrors the teamwork and mutual accountability the airmen already rely on in their day-to-day work.

"Everybody's like a big family there, so everybody has each other's backs," Shoals said. "If somebody looks like they're not doing so well or getting a little tired, everybody's checking on each other."

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1019106/oregon-guard-senior-leaders-visit-airmen-fighting-grasshopper-fire

Released Photos: 

260817-Z-ZJ128-1001
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, addresses Oregon Air National Guard airmen supporting wildland firefighting operations at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026. From left, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek's office, Gronewold and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader, joined the airmen during the visit.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1002
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, right, shakes hands with Giovanni Carranza, a California smokejumper serving as a crew boss for one of the Oregon National Guard's hand crews, as fellow crew boss Daniel Schroth looks on at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026. Crew bosses work closely with fire resource advisors to direct where Guard hand crews are employed each day.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1003
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, fist-bumps an Oregon Air National Guard airman while visiting hand crews supporting wildland firefighting operations at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1004
Chief Master Sgt. Brian Brown, 173rd Fighter Wing, briefs Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, on hand crew employment using an operations map at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260817-Z-ZJ128-1005
Oregon National Guard senior leaders join Oregon Air National Guard hand crews, California smokejumpers and Oregon Department of Forestry personnel for a group photo at the Grasshopper Fire camp near Tygh Valley, Ore., Aug. 17, 2026.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

JCSO Case 26-2783

MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives arrested a Medford man this morning at a business in the 500 block of the Medford Center. The suspect, Evan James Sutherlin, 20, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He is charged with first-degree rape, third-degree sexual abuse, and first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

The case started June 2nd, 2026, when JCSO deputies responded to a report of a then 19-year-old man sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in the Jacksonville area. From there, SVU detectives took over the investigation leading to his arrest.

As SVU detectives continue their investigation, they believe Sutherlin may have more victims. Anyone with information about the pictured suspect is asked to call SVU Detective Jill Wenzel at 541-770-8928.

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Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.

“In Oregon, emergency management brings together state, local, tribal, and private partners to safeguard our communities long before disaster strikes. ,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to prepare for our worst day, protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series, a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly.

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM works in partnership with emergency management leaders and professionals across state agencies who provide critical expertise, resources and support within their respective organizations. Together, these partners contribute to a resilient, collaborative and well-coordinated emergency management system across Oregon.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways people in Oregon can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.

Salem, Ore. – The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council will meet virtually to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor on Aug. 20, 2026. The council will be in executive session will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. The public can join the public meeting at 1:40 p.m. via Zoom webinar.

On the agenda:

• Public comment.
• Continue clarifying new governance roles.
• Discuss strategic planning and corridor-wide policy development.
• Trail projects updates and sponsor roundtable.

The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 82-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway from Tillamook to Banks, Oregon. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.  More information about the Salmonberry Trail is at salmonberrytrail.org.

The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail. 

To submit public comment for council members to review during the meeting, use the public comment form or email .Horning@oprd.oregon.gov">Jessica.R.Horning@oprd.oregon.gov.

Florence, Ore. – Oregon State Parks will remove over 150 dead or unhealthy trees in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park campground and day use area. During the removal work, the campground will be closed for several days. The length of the closure and exact timing is still being determined.
 

“OPRD implements a hazard tree inspection program that is crucial for identifying trees that are exhibiting signs of health decline and could become hazardous to people and infrastructure,” said Kathryn Charlton, Coastal Region Forester.

The project will take about a month and a half beginning in January 2027.  A hired contractor will remove approximately 20 dead and unhealthy trees from Cleawox day use area around Cleawox Lake. They will remove about another 145 trees with declining health and structural issues from the campground area. Specifically, Loop H will see the removal of around 55 shore pines and several large Sitka spruce with decay and structural issues will be removed in Loops A, B and C.

As part of Oregon State Parks’ commitment to safety and stewardship, tree maintenance and removal is a regular occurrence. Information about the closure will be posted on the park web page and Oregon State Parks social media.

“We are providing this early notice so folks can plan accordingly with their camping plans,” said Park Manager Ryan Warren. “This campground is a popular destination, so we wanted to give visitors advance notice of this hazard tree project.”

Oregon State Parks will donate some of the logs from these trees to Suislaw Soil and Water Conservation District and Smith River Watershed Council l to place in streams for riparian and aquatic habitat restoration efforts. For some of these large trees, a short portion of the lower stem will be left standing to become snag. Snags provide food, nesting and denning resources for wildlife such as birds and small mammals that use the park as habitat.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is proud to partner with the Tribal Charitable entities of Oregon to support Oregon’s K-12 students. During the coming 2026-2027 school year the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation will receive generous grant funding from the Wildhorse Foundation, (Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla); the Three Rivers Foundation (Coos, Umpqua and Siuslaw); the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund; the Coquille Tribal Community Fund and the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation in support of the School Vision Screening Program (SVS).

All of the mentioned Tribal Foundations understand how important vision is to learning in K-12 students. Studies consistently show that 80% of learning in K-12 students is visual and that 25% of those students have correctable vision issues, yet only about 10% have the glasses they need. OLSHF’s School Vision Screening Program, with the help of tribal support, provides highest quality objective, efficient, equitable and safe vision screening to students throughout Oregon. The screenings are followed by resources for student families for low-cost/no-cost vision exams and eyeglasses. With the help of Oregon’s Tribes, OLSHF provided this service to over 200,000 students last school year, (2025-2026) and screened the 2-millionth student in 2024!

Funding from all five of the Oregon Tribal Foundations helps cover the costs of OLSHF School Vision Screening in almost 60% of Oregon Counties, including urban centers as well as rural and remote communities. When students can see to their potential, they have a greater ability to learn to their potential and have a better chance to contribute to their families, themselves and communities.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation shares a long history of partnership with Oregon’s tribes, going back many years. OLSHF and the Lions of Oregon look forward to continuing to help students achieve their potential with their partners at the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, the Coquille Tribal Community Fund, the Three Rivers Foundation, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and the Wildhorse Foundation, into Oregon’s future.

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SOLVE calls on Oregon Coast residents and community groups to host cleanup projects during annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 18–27

Portland, Ore., August 17, 2026 – Coastal communities have already shown what’s possible when they come together to protect Oregon’s coast. Following 18 coastal cleanups on July 5 that brought together 667 volunteers and removed 7,393 pounds of litter, SOLVE is calling on more coastal residents, businesses and community groups to help keep that momentum going this September.

From September 18-27, SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup will bring volunteers together across Oregon and Southwest Washington to remove litter, marine debris and invasive species while caring for beaches, rivers and waterways. The cleanup includes International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19, a global effort that brings communities together to protect coastlines from litter and marine debris.

More coastal cleanup leaders are needed to host projects this September. Event leaders don’t need to have previous experience or organize everything on their own. SOLVE provides support to make hosting a cleanup easy, including cleanup supplies, permitting guidance, volunteer registration and project resources.

How to Get Involved

Those interested in hosting a coastal cleanup during Beach & Riverside Cleanup can learn more and sign up at solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

SOLVE is also encouraging coastal residents who aren’t able to lead a project to participate in an existing cleanup or help spread the word.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

UPDATE: LOCATED - MISSING PERSON: LEWIS, OSIRIS JAXON
 

DATE OF REPORT: 08/13/2026

CASE: 26-21992

NAME: Osiris Jaxon Lewis

AGE: 16

SEX:  Male

RACE: White

HEIGHT: 5'10"

WEIGHT: 140

HAIR: Red/Bleached

EYES: Brown

INFORMATION: On 08/13/2026 we received a report that Osiris Jaxon Lewis had run away from their home located in O’Brien on 8/9/2026. Osiris does not have an active phone and was riding a black bike with a gold seat and brown hand grips. Osiris is known to frequent Grants Pass.

Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123 with any information. 

Case Update
On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026.  The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police.  The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.
 
Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.

On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.

The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750.

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets virtually at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Update on Performance Measures for Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan
• FTLAC upcoming meetings

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Eduardo Misael Garcia-Sanchez, 29, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In imposing the sentence, the court found that the defendant, based upon his prior drug dealing convictions, qualified as a career offender.

“This case showed true teamwork amongst our law enforcement agencies to bring this drug dealer to justice. I am grateful for the partnership and hard work of our law enforcement. With these brave men and women, we are able to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, On August 5, 2025, investigators with Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were investigating a Portland, Oregon area drug dealer. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Garcia-Sanchez was identified as likely supplying various drug dealers. Investigators followed Garcia-Sachez’ vehicle as it travelled out of Portland, Oregon. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop of Garcia-Sanchez. During the stop investigators observed a large bundle of cash and apparent heroin in the vehicle.

Investigators then placed Garcia-Sanchez in custody. Garcia-Sanchez’ vehicle contained a clear plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat containing approximately 10 individual bindles of fentanyl, which appeared pre-packaged for sale. Investigators recovered from the vehicle the approximate totals of; 120.9 grams of fentanyl powder, 51.8 grams of heroin, and $5,349 in U.S. Currency.

Following the seizure and arrest, Garcia-Sanchez was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon and placed on a federal hold for these offenses.

On May 12, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Garcia-Sanchez with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

This case was investigated by FBI and CCITF with assistance from OSP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin.

The Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) — led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office — works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force comprises members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by funding from the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 1 to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assume command of the Fielder Mountain Fire outside of Grants Pass.

The Fielder Mountain Fire originally began Thursday afternoon and quickly grew due to hot, windy conditions. The fire is in the foothills adjacent to the town of Rogue River and visible from I-5. The fire was last estimated to be 550 acres and burning in timber. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“Our top priorities in fighting this fire are limiting its growth, while protecting the surrounding communities and ensuring all our firefighters go home safe at the end of their shift,” said Dan Quinones, ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester.  

ODF CIMT 1 will in brief today at 12 p.m. and transfer command will be at 6 p.m. tonight.

For the latest evacuation information, follow the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

“Every new spark matters and increases the risk to our communities, as well as our firefighters,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “I am urging Oregonians to do their part. Check local fire restrictions, remain aware of weather conditions and stay up to date on emergency alerts.”

Check local fire restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. (13 August 2026) – On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Oregon State Police came upon a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 395 and Interstate 84 in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda CRV, operated by Jeffrey Downer McGowan (51) of Woodinville, Washington, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 near Pendleton when the vehicle left the freeway for an unknown reason. The vehicle entered the median, became airborne, and landed in the center of Hwy. 395, where it caught fire and became engulfed in flames. Responding troopers were able to extricate the driver from the vehicle.

The passenger in the Honda, Riley Finnegan McGowan (21) of Woodinville, Washington, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Jeffrey McGowan) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Highway 395 was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Pendleton Police Department, Pendleton Fire & Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 22, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Juan Gonzalez, DPSST No. 67518; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution

    Presented by Victor Sanchez

4. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Victor Sanchez

5. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – September 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Gomez-Soto had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction.

Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

“While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller.  “We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case.  Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”

According to trial testimony, Gomez-Soto sold the victim illicit fentanyl, in the form of powder and counterfeit pills. The following day the victim, a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland, used some of the fentanyl and died moments later.

On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer used the victim’s phone, pretending to be the victim, to buy drugs from Gomez-Soto. When Gomez-Soto arrived at the deal, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of the arrest, Gomez-Soto possessed both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.