Update: Salem-Keizer School District Bus Driver Critically Injured in Hit-And-Run Accident

(SALEM) - Salem police are asking for the public’s help in locating the driver and vehicle that was involved in an hit-and-run accident Monday morning in northeast Salem.

Salem police spokesman Lt. Dan Deitz says the victim was struck just after 6:00 AM at the Hawthorne Ave and D Street intersection near the Salem-Keizer School District’s bus barn.

65-year-od Gary Phillips of Salem, who is a school bus driver for the Salem-Keizer School District was taken to Salem Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.

Police are looking for a silver car, which has it’s driver’s side mirror missing.

Police also believe the car may have sustained hood, windshield, fender, and roof damage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Salem Police Department Traffic Control Unit at (503) 588-6171, or their message line, (503) 588-6293.

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Concerned January 9, 2007 4:53 pm (Pacific time)

My prayers go out to Mr. Phillips and his loving family. May justice be swiftly served to the horrible piece of humanity that could commit such a heinous act of violence upon a human being. For shame!

Henry Ruark January 9, 2007 2:38 pm (Pacific time)

For all those feeling pain and shock from attitudinal motivated accident here, you might wish to advise others on police-pursuit story who seem to take situation a bit too lightly.

Rick Herold January 9, 2007 7:23 am (Pacific time)

Gary is my father in law. He had brain sugery to remove a blood clot yesterday. He has sustained severe head injuries and remains in critical condtion. Your Prayers and support are greatly appreciated.

BusDriverToo January 8, 2007 10:39 pm (Pacific time)

I work with Gary and am still in disbelief about what happened to him this morning. It was painful to walk through the area where he was struck just after he was rushed to the hospital. The violent force of the speeding car was evident there. Gary is a genuinely wonderful man who has and does touch many of us. PLEASE PRAY for him...and keep watch for the car of the coward who left him to die this morning...may God give them misery until they do the right thing!

worried WESD worker January 8, 2007 7:50 pm (Pacific time)

So sad to hear about this today. Waiting for bus drivers this morning, I heard the news. Bus drivers who knew him couldn't say enough good things about this man. They were all shook up and worried! Lets find this creep!

bus441 January 8, 2007 6:34 pm (Pacific time)

People need to slow down and follow traffic laws.Anyone with info on this should want to come forward.What if it was your Dad,Husband,Brother? How would you feel? How do you think his FAMILY and Extened Family at the bus yard feel. Be a Responsable member of society,SAY SOMETHING....... and PRAY FOR HIM.

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