Police seek witnesses to crash that killed 4
EUGENE, Ore. -- Police worry drivers who witnessed the Jan. 21 crash that killed four people in Eugene, Ore., have not come forward out of fear of prosecution for traffic offenses.
The Eugene Police Department announced possible immunity Monday for witnesses who have not come forward due to fear of being prosecuted for traffic offenses like driving while suspended or driving on an expired license.
Police are not looking for any particular person but want to make sure they leave no stone unturned, according to Jenna LaBounty, an EPD spokeswoman.
She said investigators want to "make sure once the case is in court someone doesn't come forward and say no, that's not how it happened."
"As I understand it, all violations will not be prosecuted and other offenses will be reviewed," LaBounty said. "The biggest thing is investigators are trying to remove all obstacles for anyone in the area who may have witnessed the vehicles at the time of the crash, or immediately before or after and are worried that by providing details they would be admitting to a violation."
The crash at the corner of West 11th Avenue and Bertelsen road killed four people and injured another two. The driver of one of the vehicles faces four counts of manslaughter and other charges in the crash.
"To complete a thorough investigation, Eugene Police investigators are reaching out to people who may have been in the area before or after the crash and have not yet come forward," the department said in a prepared release.
"In order to ensure that law enforcement has the benefit of all relevant evidence bearing on the collision, the District Attorney and the City Prosecutor have agreed to consider immunity for any minor traffic infraction committed by a potential witness around the time of the collision," the release said.
If any one witnessed the crash or has relevant information, they are urged to call or text message Officer Michael Klews at (541) 359.6654.
