The sign paid tribute to a crash that killed two people.
(HALFWAY, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are trying to figure out who is responsible for vandalizing a highway safety sign near Halfway that was installed in memory of two people killed in an alcohol-related traffic crash nearly two years ago.
OSP Spokesman Greg Hastings says that on August 22nd, an ODOT employee discovered that the highway safety sign was torn down and vandalized from its installed location along Oregon Highway 86, the Baker-Copperfield Highway, near milepost 58 in Baker County.
"The sign post and sign which was installed June 19th was knocked down, painted black and dragged along the ground."
The 3-foot by 2 1/2-foot sign listing "In The Memory of Joe Arant and Mark Arant" was installed as part of ODOT's Impaired Driving Victim Memorial Signing Program in memory of two people killed along the highway November 10th, 2005 involving an intoxicated driver.
Sign after being vandalizedHastings says the program was established in 1995 to help promote public awareness of the dangers and repercussions of driving impaired by listing the names of crash victims.
"Forty such memorial safety signs have been installed around the state since the program began."
ODOT is in the process of ordering a replacement sign to be installed at a later date.
Oregon State Police Trooper Marcus McDowell is investigating the crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper McDowell at (541) 963-7175 ext. 4615.
Oregon State Police Investigation Vandalism of Roadside MemorialSalem-News.com