On Saturday, August 12, 2023, at approximately 7:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Hwy-164, near milepost 5, in Marion County. The preliminary investigation indicated a bicyclist, Harley Auten (42) of Jefferson, was riding in the bike lane southbound on Hwy-164, through the intersection of Talbot Rd SE. A Dodge RAM 3500, operated by Brian Hammons (55) of Jefferson, turned from eastbound Talbot Rd onto southbound Hwy-164 and collided with the bicyclist. The bicyclist (Auten) was transported to Salem Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The operator of the Dodge (Hammons) left the scene after medical personnel arrived, but prior to LE arrival. Hammons turned himself into investigators on Sunday, August 13, and was lodged in the Marion County Jail for Hit and Run and Criminally Negligent Homicide. The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is on-going and no further information is available for release at this time. Any witnesses of the incident are being asked to contact the Oregon State Police, referencing case SP23-252845. OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Fire District, and ODOT.
