Early Morning Crash at Highway 99W and Highway 22 Intersection Leaves One Man Dead

Edward Paul Douglas who died in the crash, was a highly regarded night watchman at Capitol Manner Retirement Home in West Salem.

Crash scene near Rickreal this morning Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police

(RICKREALL) - Oregon State Police arrested a Dallas-area man Thursday morning on numerous criminal charges related to a fatal traffic crash early this morning at the intersection of Highway 99W and Highway 22.

State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings says the investigation is continuing into the fatal crash that resulted in the death of a Silverton-area man, and alcohol is alleged to be a contributing factor.

Police say that around 12:40 AM, a 1977 Chevrolet pickup driven by 22-year old Jonathan Richard Orsborn of Dallas, was southbound on Highway 99W when it entered the intersection at Highway 22 against a red traffic signal.

According to witnesses, the pickup failed to stop and crashed into the driver's side of an eastbound 1999 Ford Escort.

The Ford Escort's driver, 67-year old Edward Paul Douglas of Silverton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints.

The pickup's passenger, 37-year old Brett Stout of Dallas, was not using safety restraints according to investigators. They say he and had a minor injury but refused medical treatment.

Orsborn was not injured. Safety restraint use information is not available.

Following the on scene investigation, Orsborn was arrested and lodged in the Polk County Jail for Criminally Negligent Homicide, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Assault in the Fourth Degree.

Oregon State Police detectives and troopers from the Salem Area Command office are working with the Polk County District Attorney's Office. Assistance at the scene was provided by Polk County Sheriff's Office, Keizer Police Department, and ODOT.

Traffic was limited to one lane in both directions until approximately 4:00 AM.