Police Seek Suspect in Hit and Run Crash Involving Female Motorcyclist

The blond female hit & run suspect is in a black Jeep liberty with unknown Oregon plates, with damage on the right side. The operator of the Jeep Liberty is described as being a female with blond hair.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Police say a Hillsboro woman was injured while riding her motorcycle southbound on Interstate -5 near milepost 246 today, after being hit by four door black Jeep Liberty.

Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Peggy Bishop says after the crash, the operator of the Jeep Liberty left the scene of the crash without leaving required information or checking on the welfare of the motorcycle rider. The area of the crash is about six miles south of Salem.

Bishop says it happened around 9:35 a.m. as 50-year old Kristi Johansen of Hillsboro, was southbound on Interstate-5 on her Yamaha motorcycle in the slow lane near milepost 246.

"A four door black Jeep Liberty was also southbound and was traveling beside the motorcycle in the fast lane. The operator of the black Jeep Liberty swerved over into the slow lane to avoid a road obstruction."

Bishop says after the black Jeep Liberty swerved over into slow lane it collided with the Johansen's motorcycle twice. Johansen ended up on the right shoulder and her motorcycle came to rest near the left median.

"After the crash an unknown make and model semi truck and trailer pulled to the side of the road along with the with the black Jeep Liberty. A short time later the operator of the black Jeep Liberty left the area without leaving required information or checking on the welfare of the Johansen," Bishop said.

Ms Johansen was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital where she is being treated for injuries sustained in the collision.

The black Jeep liberty is described to have unknown Oregon License Plates. Additionally it is believed that there will be damage from the right rear passenger door up towards the right front passenger door of the Jeep Liberty. The operator of the Jeep Liberty is described as being a female with blond hair.

The right or slow lane was closed for a short duration during the investigation according to Bishop.

OSP Troopers from the Salem Area Command are continuing their investigation. OSP Personnel were assisted at the scene by Turner Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Any witnesses that may have seen the collision or have information pertaining to the Hit and Run vehicle are requested to contact Senior Trooper Peggy Bishop of the Salem Patrol Office at 503-378-3387.