Hood-to-Coast collision results in arrest

News Release from: Oregon State Police
This incident does not involve anyone on a bike, but since it has to does with another vulnerable roadway user group (runners), I thought it might be worth noting.

Below is the statement from the Oregon State Police (emphasis mine):

The driver of a car that struck and seriously injured an 18-year old female runner participating on a Lincoln High School 2008 Portland to Coast Relay team Friday night on Highway 30 near the Columbia / Multnomah County line was arrested Sunday evening by Oregon State Police (OSP).

On August 24, 2008 at approximately 6:45 p.m. OSP Senior Trooper Jeromy Hasenkamp arrested CHRYSTAL MARIE MEYER, age 20, from Rainier, after she met with the trooper at Rainier Police Department related to the investigation. MEYER was transported to Multnomah County Jail where she was lodged for Assault in the Second Degree, Reckless Driving, and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants – Drugs. Arraignment questions should be directed to Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

The arrest is the result of an ongoing investigation into a serious injury crash on August 22, 2008 at approximately 9:10 p.m. when CHELSEE JEAN CASKEY, age 18, from southwest Portland, was running on the northbound shoulder of Highway 30 near milepost 18. CASKEY was struck from behind by a northbound blue 2003 Kia Rio four-door driven by MEYER. After the collision, the Kia Rio traveled off the highway and came to a stop several hundred feet away from the area of impact and about 50 feet down an embankment.

Both individuals were transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

CASKEY is in serious condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Troopers report she was wearing a reflective vest and using a runner’s headlamp.

MEYER had minor injuries and was released from the hospital after treatment and observation.

Oregon State Police troopers from the St. Helens and Astoria Area Command offices are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Scappoose Fire Department, Portland Fire Bureau, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Any witnesses who observed the Kia Rio driving prior to or at the time of the crash are asked to call Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.