East Bound Lanes of Hwy 22W Near Rosemont Exit in Salem Closed Due to Vehicle-Pedestrian Collision

The eastbound lanes of Hwy 22W were re-opened at 11:15 p.m.

Photos and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - At 8;41 P.M., officers of the Salem Police Department responded to Hwy 22W near the Rosemont Exit on a report of a male running in traffic attempting to get struck by passing motorists.

Lieutenant Keith A. Blair with the Salem Police Department's Patrol Division, says additional reports indicated that citizens were attempting to subdue the male to prevent him from continuing his actions.

"When officers arrived, the male broke free from the citizens and ran westbound in the eastbound lanes of Hwy 22W. Officers tried to alert motorists of the pending emergency as they chased after the male to prevent him from getting struck by vehicles," Blair said.

"The male continued to run in front of motorists and was subsequently struck by a vehicle. The identity of the male is unknown at this time. He was transported to Salem Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Citizens who were attempting to subdue the male had been assaulted by him."

Blair says the eastbound lanes of Hwy 22W leading into Salem have been closed while this incident is being investigated. It is anticipated that the closure will continue for the next 1-2 hours.

The eastbound lanes of Hwy 22W were re-opened at 11:15 p.m.

Video from the scene by Salem-News.com Photographer Jerry Freeman:

Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarked on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Jerry's quick exhibition of natural talent and ability to shoot breaking news led to his becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team.