Independence Woman Killed In Crash West of Monmouth

Four passengers in the second vehicle were not badly injured.

Head-on crash on Highway 194 near MP6, Independence, Oregon. Photo: OSP

(MONMOUTH, Ore.) - OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle, head-on crash on Highway 194 near milepost 6 (west of Monmouth on Fishback Road), Sunday, at about 12:50PM.

Police say the preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Dodge Neon was traveling eastbound on Highway 194 (also known as Monmouth Highway) when it crossed the centerline striking a 2006 Dodge pickup head-on.

Witnesses reported observing the Neon driving at a high rate of speed prior to the crash.

The driver of the Neon, 30-year old Tara C. Kadell, of Independence, was pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver of the pickup, 23-year old Lacey C McLaren, of Portland, was not injured. Two other passengers, a four-year old girl and a six-year old girl, were also not injured.

It was discovered McLaren had a felony warrant for Theft I issued by Linn County Sheriff's Office. She was arrested and lodged at the Polk County Jail.

A male passenger in the pickup fled the scene prior to law enforcement arriving. He was later identified as 33-year old Jason Lee Greer, of Oregon City. It was learned Greer had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. At the time of this release, Greer has not been located.

Highway 194 was closed for about five hours while the investigation was being conducted. OSP was assisted by Monmouth Fire, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County District Attorney's Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available.

Source: Oregon State Police news release