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News Release

Portland Doctor Sentenced To Prison In Hit And Run Death Of Woodburn Man - 05/13/26

State of Oregon v. Kenneth Kolarsky

Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR25205

 

 

Salem, OR – May 12, 2026 –  Yesterday, Marion Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Kenneth Kolarsky, age 59, to 13 months in the Department of Corrections and 36 months of Post-Prison Supervision. The conviction is based upon a guilty plea of Attempted Failure to Perform Duties of Driver to an Injured Person.

 

On the evening of December 26, 2024, Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza was struck by a vehicle as he crossed North Pacific Highway near Williams Avenue in Woodburn, Oregon. Hernandez-Mendoza had activated the crosswalk safety lights as he began crossing the street and was hit by a vehicle operated by the defendant, Kolarsky.  Upon striking Hernandez-Mendoza, the defendant stopped the vehicle, drove around his unconscious body in the roadway, and then fled the scene.

 

Hernandez-Mendoza was transported to Salem Hospital where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the cervical vertebra and pelvic fractures.  He died during emergency surgery when surgeons were unable to stop his spleen from bleeding.

 

Woodburn Police Detectives requested and reviewed footage from dozens of nearby businesses and residences to establish the license plate number, make and model of the defendant’s vehicle. After further investigation and review of surveillance video, Kolarsky, who was an emergency room physician, can be seen entering his place of employment approximately 20 minutes after striking the decedent. He was on his way to work at Silverton Hospital from his residence in the Portland area on the night of the incident.

 

On May 17, 2025, after a considerable investigation, the defendant was arrested by Woodburn Police Officers.

 

Of note, the criminal charges at issue were limited to Kolarsky leaving the scene. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that the collision itself was the result of criminal activity.  

 

“Regardless of why the accident occurred, to leave a scene after striking someone with your vehicle is a callous disregard for human life” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “That’s intolerable, and especially offensive when it is committed by a professional who takes an oath to ‘do no harm’”.

 

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Tyler Hopkins. In addition to the incident itself, Hopkins pointed to defendant trying to repair his vehicle with cash, and his dishonesty in the investigation as additional justifications for an 18-month prison sentence. The defendant had no prior criminal history and had a presumptive prison sentence of 16-18 months in the Department of Corrections.

 

During his ruling, Judge Geyer acknowledged that the defendant left “a community member fallen and in the dark” and with an “absence of dignity.”    Judge Geyer imposed a downward durational departure and imposed 13 months with 26 months of post-prison supervision.  

 

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the Woodburn Police Department, and in particular Detectives Devoe and Ellis, along with Lieutenant Stewart, for their outstanding investigatory work.  Their partnership with other jurisdictions, both in and out of state, led to the resolution of this case.

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Portland Doctor Sentenced To Prison In Hit And Run Death Of Woodburn Man - 05/13/26

State of Oregon v. Kenneth Kolarsky

Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR25205

 

 

Salem, OR – May 12, 2026 –  Yesterday, Marion Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Kenneth Kolarsky, age 59, to 13 months in the Department of Corrections and 36 months of Post-Prison Supervision. The conviction is based upon a guilty plea of Attempted Failure to Perform Duties of Driver to an Injured Person.

 

On the evening of December 26, 2024, Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza was struck by a vehicle as he crossed North Pacific Highway near Williams Avenue in Woodburn, Oregon. Hernandez-Mendoza had activated the crosswalk safety lights as he began crossing the street and was hit by a vehicle operated by the defendant, Kolarsky.  Upon striking Hernandez-Mendoza, the defendant stopped the vehicle, drove around his unconscious body in the roadway, and then fled the scene.

 

Hernandez-Mendoza was transported to Salem Hospital where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the cervical vertebra and pelvic fractures.  He died during emergency surgery when surgeons were unable to stop his spleen from bleeding.

 

Woodburn Police Detectives requested and reviewed footage from dozens of nearby businesses and residences to establish the license plate number, make and model of the defendant’s vehicle. After further investigation and review of surveillance video, Kolarsky, who was an emergency room physician, can be seen entering his place of employment approximately 20 minutes after striking the decedent. He was on his way to work at Silverton Hospital from his residence in the Portland area on the night of the incident.

 

On May 17, 2025, after a considerable investigation, the defendant was arrested by Woodburn Police Officers.

 

Of note, the criminal charges at issue were limited to Kolarsky leaving the scene. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that the collision itself was the result of criminal activity.  

 

“Regardless of why the accident occurred, to leave a scene after striking someone with your vehicle is a callous disregard for human life” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “That’s intolerable, and especially offensive when it is committed by a professional who takes an oath to ‘do no harm’”.

 

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Tyler Hopkins. In addition to the incident itself, Hopkins pointed to defendant trying to repair his vehicle with cash, and his dishonesty in the investigation as additional justifications for an 18-month prison sentence. The defendant had no prior criminal history and had a presumptive prison sentence of 16-18 months in the Department of Corrections.

 

During his ruling, Judge Geyer acknowledged that the defendant left “a community member fallen and in the dark” and with an “absence of dignity.”    Judge Geyer imposed a downward durational departure and imposed 13 months with 26 months of post-prison supervision.  

 

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the Woodburn Police Department, and in particular Detectives Devoe and Ellis, along with Lieutenant Stewart, for their outstanding investigatory work.  Their partnership with other jurisdictions, both in and out of state, led to the resolution of this case.

 ###