Salem Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Crash
Video Essay by Jerry Freeman

The area of the crash is a rural type two-lane road, with a 45 mph speed limit.

Photos and video by Jerry Freeman

(SALEM) - At 6:49 p.m. Wednesday, Salem Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic crash on River Rd. S. near Cricket St S.

Police light casts an eerie glow on a street sign near fatal pedestrian crash.

Lt. Jim Anglemier with Salem Police, says the preliminary investigation indicates an 18-year old driver, who had a 14-year old passenger were traveling northbound on River Rd. S. when the driver suddenly saw a pedestrian in dark clothing in the middle of the road. The vehicle driver attempted to avoid the pedestrian, but was not able to avoid striking the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to Salem Hospital where he was determined to be deceased at approx. 7:25 pm. The deceased pedestrian has been identified as 43-year old Timothy James Crone, who appears to be transient. Next of kin notification have been made of the incident, Lt. Anglemier said.

Traffic Unit investigators are currently conducting the crash investigation and reconstruction of the scene. The driver has been identified as 18-year old Daniel C. Silberman of Salem. The passenger was a 14-year old juvenile.

The area of the crash is a rural type two-lane road, with a 45 mph speed limit. The area is dark as there are no street lights. At the time of the crash, there was a heavy rainfall.

River Rd. S. has been re-opened for normal traffic flow. The investigation is continuing.

Salem-News.com's Jerry Freeman was on the scene of the fatal pedestrian crash and spoke to a witness who asked that only her first name, 'Erica' be used:

Jerry Freeman is part of a new generation of dedicated news photographers who entered the Internet news industry as a second career. He shares in common with many people who fulfilled their life dream of becoming a visual journalist. Joining the Navy at an early age, and the Oregon Army Guard a few years later, Jerry has a wide range of life experiences. He describes himself as “a truck driver with a new found passion to bear witness to the world’s events.”

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.