Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office, are continuing the investigation into Thursday afternoon’s two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Highway 101 about three miles north of Cloverdale in Tillamook County. One driver died and the second driver was arrested. The victim’s name will be released Friday morning. According to Lieutenant Justin McGladrey, on October 23, 2014 at approximately 3:07 p.m., a 1997 Ford Ranger pickup driven by CHRISTOPHER ALLEN FITCH, age 21, from Beaverton, was northbound on Highway 101 near Old Condor Bridge Road about milepost 84. As the pickup negotiated a right curve at a high rate of speed, it crossed the double solid centerline and collided nearly head-on with a southbound 2001 Ford Taurus four-door. The pickup came to rest on its right side near the center of the highway. The car came to rest on the southbound shoulder. The passenger car’s 70-year old male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. FITCH, who was driving on a suspended license, received minor injury and was later arrested by OSP. During the investigation, OSP learned FITCH was on probation for DUII out of Clackamas County. His probation officer was contacted and issued an arrest detainer. He was lodged in Tillamook County Jail for Probation Violation and Reckless Driving.
