Woodburn Police Department Enters Second Year Of Dedicated DUII Enforcement Officer Position - 01/23/26

Woodburn, OR:  The Woodburn Police Department has entered its second year of a dedicated DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) Enforcement Officer position following approval of a continued DUII enforcement grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The current grant period began on October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2026, covering 75 percent of the dedicated officer’s wages and associated training costs.

An evaluation of the program’s first year shows measurable improvements in impaired driving enforcement and overall traffic safety. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, total DUII arrests increased by 32 percent compared to the previous year, rising from 165 arrests in FY 2023–2024 to 217 arrests in FY 2024–2025.

From December 12, 2024, through September 30, 2025, the dedicated DUII Enforcement Officer conducted extensive enforcement and investigative activity, including 391 traffic stops, issuing 181 traffic citations and 321 warnings. During this period, the officer made 122 alcohol-related DUII arrests and eight drug-impaired DUII arrests, served 12 DUII search warrants, and handled nine Minor in Possession cases and 11 open container violations. The position also contributed to 40 DUII crash investigations, 22 non-DUII crash investigations, and 152 non-DUII-related arrests.

While the long-term goal of the dedicated DUII enforcement position is to reduce impaired driving, serious injury, and loss of life, the data from the first year highlights the continued risk impaired driving poses to the community. In 2025, Woodburn experienced two fatal crashes in which impaired drivers struck and killed pedestrians.

“While this dedicated position has shown great success and promise in removing impaired drivers from our roadways, the fact that we have experienced two consecutive years—2024 and 2025—with two deaths each attributed to impaired driving crashes underscores the continued importance of traffic safety and impaired driving enforcement in our community,” said Deputy Chief Andy Shadrin.

The Woodburn Police Department remains committed to reducing preventable tragedies through proactive enforcement, education, and ongoing public safety initiatives to keep the community safe.

Woodburn Mayor Frank Lonergan Calls For Cessation Of ICE Operations (Photo) - 01/09/26

Woodburn, OR:  Woodburn is a safe city, a place with a richly diverse cultural history, where people raise families, work hard, retire, practice their faith, and truly care for one another. 

The continued presence of federal immigration operations in Woodburn has harmed our families and children, imposed fear, and is destabilizing the public safety we enjoy amongst all facets of our community. Families, small business owners, and farmers are suffering the economic consequences.

I watched in horror the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis by ICE. We stand with the residents of Minneapolis and pray for the family of Renee Good. And may justice be served.

The escalation of violence and aggressive tactics used by federal agents against peaceful, hard-working people and those exercising their protected constitutional rights is unacceptable and demands accountability.

In order to maintain peace and public safety, and to protect our local economy, today I am joining other Oregon officials in demanding that ICE immediately cease all operations in Woodburn and throughout Oregon.

Fatal Vehicle Vs. Pedestrian Crash - 01/05/26

Woodburn, OR: On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 2:22 p.m., Woodburn Police officers responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash near the intersection of Mt. Hood Avenue and Park Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located a 49-year-old female, Maria Mejia-Romero of Woodburn, who had sustained critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was crossing Mt. Hood Avenue in an area not designated as a marked crosswalk. Witness statements reported the driver was making a right-hand turn onto Mt. Hood Avenue at the time of the collision.

Medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to Salem Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

The involved vehicle, a 2007 Ford F-150, was driven by a 16-year-old Woodburn resident. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Preliminary information indicates the crash appears to have been accidental in nature, and no criminal charges or citations are expected at this time.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Woodburn Police Department at (503) 982-2345 and reference Case #26-137.

###