From The Crook County Sheriff
Media Release
On August 19, 2020 at approximately 0520 hours, Deputies from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to investigate an injury traffic crash on Hwy. 126 at SW Parrish Ln. in Powell Butte. Initial reports indicated that two vehicles were involved and a power pole was blocking highway 126, west of SW Parrish Ln. Officers from the Prineville Police Department also responded and arrived on scene prior to Deputies. Officers found that this crash involved three vehicles with possible serious injuries.
The investigation determined that a Honda Fit operated by a 52 yr. old Bend man was stopped eastbound on Hwy. 126 at SW Parrish Rd., waiting to turn left. A Hyundai Accent being driven by 21 yr. old Orion Tillitt of Albany was also eastbound on Hwy. 126 approaching SW Parrish Ln. Orion failed to take appropriate action in observing/slowing for the legally stopped vehicle. Orion’s vehicle rear ended the Hyundai at near highway speed. The force of the impact pushed the Hyundai into the westbound lane of travel where it collided head-on with a westbound Ford F150 being driven by a 33 yr. old Clackamas man. The Ford F150 left the roadway after the collision and struck a fence and power pole, shearing the pole and causing it to fall into the roadway.
Crook County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and extricated the driver of the Ford F150 from the vehicle. He was transported by Life Flight to St. Charles Bend with possible serious injuries. The driver of the Honda Fit was transported by Crook County Fire Rescue to St. Charles Prineville with minor injuries. Orion Tillitt of Albany was cited in lieu of custody at the scene for Reckless Driving. He was transported by Redmond Fire to St. Charles in Redmond for minor injuries.
The Crook County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Prineville Police Department, Oregon State Police, Crook County Fire Rescue, Redmond Fire, Life Flight, Oregon Department of Transportation and Pacific Power and Light.
As early morning and afternoon travel continues to increase on Hwy. 126 and Powell Butte Hwy., drivers need to exhibit patience and plan appropriately for increased travel times. Deputies have seen a significant increase in citizen traffic complaints and motor vehicle crashes on these roadways, primarily involving speeds/unsafe passing and inattentive driving behaviors. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind drivers to keep their focus on the roadway, follow at safe distances and travel at the posted speeds. Take responsibility and do your part to ensure that you and others return home safely.
