Two were killed and several more injured in a series of crashes on Clackamas County highways this week.
On Monday night, a Welches man was struck and killed in a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Highway 26 between Sandy and Brightwood.
Oregon State Police say a white Volvo commercial motor vehicle, driven by Edgar Clark Jr., 62, of Troutdale, struck a pedestrian at approximately 11:20 p.m., later identified as 32-year-old Herman Neal IV.
Neal sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. Police said they do not know why Neal was in the roadway.
Highway 26 was affected for approximately four hours while the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the scene. OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.
The second collision was a single-vehicle crash at approximately 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, which occurred on Highway 211 west of Molalla.
OSP said its preliminary investigation revealed a southbound white BMW X5, driven by 22-year-old Francisco Torres, of Modesto, California, left its lane of travel, exited the road on the northbound shoulder and struck a tree.
Investigators found 20 pounds of packaged marijuana in and around the vehicle, and Torres allegedly exhibited signs of impairment.
The rear passenger, 28-year-old Hubert Armaspena sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other passenger, 22-year-old Jesus Farias-Alvarez suffered critical injuries and was transported via Life Flight to Salem Hospital. Both men were also Modesto residents.
Torres was injured and transported to OHSU prior to being arrested and lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants and negligent homicide.
Highway 211 was impacted for approximately five hours while the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the scene. OSP was assisted by Molalla Fire Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.
