On August 30, 2017 at about 5:50 a.m., Troopers from the Springfield Area Command of the Oregon State Police responded to Highway 58 near Matthews Drive, in the Dexter area for a two vehicle serious injury crash. The preliminary investigation suggests a blue 2016 Dodge Ram, operated by 58 year old Olympia Washing ton resident Daniel Pomerenk, was traveling westbound. A 1994 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by 40 year old Lowell local Christopher Ripley, was following the Dodge westbound as they approached the intersection of Highway 58 and Matthews Drive. Witness statements indicate the Dodge was turning left at this location and for unknown reasons, the motorcycle was unable to stop, crashing into the front driver’s side of the Dodge truck near the centerline of the westbound lane. Ripley was transported to a Springfield area hospital where he is in critical condition.
