20-Year-Old Arrested in Hit-And-Run That Critically Injured Salem School Bus Driver

65-year-old Gary Curtis Phillips, the victim in this accident is still listed in Critical Condition at Salem Hospital.

1996 Plymouth Breeze was the car involved in the hit and run Monday. Photo: Salem Police

(SALEM) - At 6:05 AM on the morning of January 8th, Gary Phillips, a school bus driver for the Salem Keizer School District, was struck and critically injured while crossing Hawthorne Ave. NE, at D St. NE, in Salem.

The driver of the car that struck Phillips fled the scene.

Today, at 11:50 AM, Ofc. T.J. Kistner a patrol officer, located the involved car at the Lancaster Commons Apartments, in the 2300 block of Coral Ave. NE, in Salem.

The involved car is a 1996 Plymouth Breeze, light metallic green in color.

The car is registered to the parents of the listed suspect.

The investigation led to the arrest of Corey James Duffield, 20 years of age, at 2:20 PM Tuesday.

Duffield has been charged with: Fail to perform the duties of a driver involved in an injury accident, (Hit & Run) and Second Degree Assault, both felonies.

Locating the car and the arrest of Corey Duffield was the result of good police work by Officer Kistner and the members of the Salem Police Traffic Unit.

Investigation into this incident is still ongoing. We are still asking for help from the public.

Anyone with additional information regarding this crash, is encouraged to call the Salem Police Traffic Unit, (503) 588-6171, or the Willamette Valley Communications at (503) 588-6123.