Oregon State Police is asking for the public's help to identify the vehicle and driver involved in an apparent fatal hit and run crash overnight that resulted in the death of an adult male northbound on Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass. The victim, who is believed to be a transient, has been identified and his name will be released pending next of kin notification.
On April 2, 2009 at approximately 7:00 a.m. OSP and local emergency responders were notified of an injured or deceased adult male on the northbound shoulder of Interstate 5 near the Manzanita Rest Area at milepost 62. Troopers and medical personnel responded and found a deceased male who appeared to have been struck by an unknown vehicle.
A turn signal indicator lens found at the scene is confirmed to have come from an unknown color 1995 to 2006 Freightliner truck, either the Argosy or Century model. Investigators are trying to determine the truck's exact model year. There should be right front end damage to the involved truck including a missing turn signal indicator.
Troopers and detectives interviewed individuals staying at a nearby homeless camp who reported hearing something getting struck by a passing vehicle at about 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night. They thought a deer that had been struck.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation to help identify the involved vehicle and driver is asked to call OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 776-6111.
