Teenager Critically Injured After Being Thrown From Open Bed of Pick-Up Near Lyons, Oregon

Police say alcohol is a factor in this single vehicle crash that happened on Highway 226 southwest of Lyons.

Salem-News.com

(LYONS, Ore.) - An 18-year old male was one of five passengers ejected from the open bed of a pickup during a rollover crash Sunday evening on Highway 226 between Scio and Lyons.

The other four ejected passengers were not injured and the 17-year old driver was arrested on numerous charges including Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Oregon State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings says the crash happened at 4:45 PM, when the driver of a Toyota pickup, westbound on Highway 226 with seven people in the cab and bed, lost control and rolled off of the highway.

The driver of the pick-up has been identified as 17-year old Justin Clement-Romey of Albany, who was westbound on Highway 226 near milepost 18 when he apparently lost control.

Investigators say the pickup rolled off the highway causing five occupants, ages 15 through 19, to be ejected from the open bed.

One of the five ejected pickup bed occupants identified as 18-year old John Elliot of Albany, was critically injured. He was transported by REACH air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland with critical injuries.

Clement-Romey and the five other passengers were not injured. All occupants are from the Albany area.

According to OSP Sergeant Craig Flierl, witnesses reported the pickup allegedly being driven in a reckless manger prior to the crash. Alcohol is also believed to be a possible contributing factor.

Clement-Romey is being detained at a Linn County-area juvenile detention facility for DUII, Reckless Driving, Assault in the Second Degree, and six counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

An investigation led by Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office is ongoing. Troopers are being assisted by members of an interagency crash investigation team including officers from Linn County Sheriff's Office and Sweet Home Police Department.

Police say this crash happened on the final day of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign during which local police departments, sheriff's offices and Oregon State Police placed extra enforcement efforts focused on booster seat use, prohibition of minors under 18 from riding in the open bed of pick up trucks, and safety belt use by occupants of taxis, shuttles, limos and other vehicles for hire which carry fifteen or fewer passengers. The campaign began May 21st and is ending June 3rd. ODOT helped out at the scene along with local emergency responder personnel. The westbound lane was closed after the crash happened.

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