NORTH PLAINS, Oregon Deputies investigated an early morning crash between a pickup truck and a herd of elk.
On Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 4:25 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies
responded to a traffic crash on Sunset Highway near NW Dersham Road, west of North Plains.
Several motorists called in regarding a crash involving a pickup truck and several elk.
During the investigation, deputies learned that a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling eastbound when it crashed into several elk that were crossing the highway. The driver
of the truck, 36-year-old James W. Childers III, cooperated with the investigation and did not suffer any injuries.
A total of 12 elk were killed as a result of the crash—6 were killed on impact and 6 were euthanized.
OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers responded to assess whether any of the elk meat was salvageable for processing and donation.
