MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN CRASH

Salem Police Dept.

Salem, Ore. — On August 23, 2021 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Salem Police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Portland RD and Bill Frey DR NE on the call of a three-vehicle collision. 

The initial investigation determined two vehicles, a motorcycle, and a Volkswagen sedan, were travelling southbound on Portland RD at a high rate of speed when they approached a red light at Bill Frey DR. As the sedan and motorcycle neared the intersection, a Chevy Tahoe entered to turn northbound onto Portland RD from Bill Frey DR. The motorcycle and Volkswagen failed to stop and collided with the Tahoe. 

Arriving officers found that the driver of the Volkswagen sedan had fled the scene.

The drivers of the Tahoe and motorcycle were transported to Salem Health for treatment of their injuries. The driver of the motorcycle, identified as Christopher James Martinez, age 30 of Salem, died at the hospital.

The driver of the Tahoe was treated by Salem Health for non-life-threatening injuries and is cooperating with the investigation. 

The Salem Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of the Volkswagen sedan. Anyone with information is asked to call the Salem Police Traffic Team at 503-588-6293.