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.

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Update: Arrest Made In Fatal Vehicle Vs. Pedestrian Crash - 12/20/25

Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Crash

The Woodburn Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash that occurred yesterday afternoon (12/19/2025), in the 1400 block of James Street.

Last night, at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers arrested Michael Ryan Bowar, an 18-year-old Woodburn resident, in connection with the incident. Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, officers determined the suspect was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the crash, which resulted in the death of Jens Robert Lerback of Woodburn.

Bowar has been charged with the following offenses: Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering (three counts), and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree. The suspect was lodged at the Marion County Jail.

The Woodburn Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information about this incident to contact the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345 and reference case number 25-16553.

The investigation remains ongoing and no further information is available at this time. 

Pedestrian Fatally Injured In Vehicle Crash - 12/19/25

Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Vehicle Crash

Woodburn, OR: Earlier this afternoon (12/19/25) at approximately 12:47 p.m., the Woodburn Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash in the 1400 block of James Street.

Upon arrival, officers located a 69-year-old male pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene. Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on James Street when it struck an unoccupied parked vehicle and a pedestrian who was in the roadway. The vehicle then continued, striking a second unoccupied parked vehicle before crashing into a residence in the 1400 block of James Street.

No injuries were reported to the driver or the two additional vehicle occupants.  No injuries were reported to occupants inside the residence.

James Street remains closed between Pacific Highway and Tierra Lynn Dr while the investigation continues. Members of the Marion County Crash Team are assisting the investigation.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.