High-Speed Chase Suspect Dies After Being Hit on I5

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 12:02 p.m., the Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to an incident on Interstate 5, near milepost 271, in Marion County. What began as a vehicle collision turned into a high-speed chase and ultimately a tragic outcome.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a southbound Toyota Corolla, driven by Elvin Miranda Martinez, a 28-year-old resident of Junction City, had been the subject of multiple driving complaints. Martinez lost control of his vehicle, crashing into the center median near milepost 293 on I-5. While OSP units were on their way to the initial crash scene, Martinez decided to flee, driving southbound at dangerously high speeds. He struck the median again before his car became disabled in the median.

At this point, a concerned motorist pulled over to check on Martinez’s well-being. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when Martinez attempted to take the motorist’s vehicle keys. As Woodburn Police officers arrived on the scene, Martinez fled on foot across the northbound lanes of the interstate and was tragically struck by a Honda CR-V.

Martinez was transported to a local hospital, but despite medical efforts, he was later declared deceased by hospital personnel. The operator of the Honda, emerged from the incident unhurt and cooperated with investigators.

The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with the highway impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP assistance from the Woodburn Fire Department, Woodburn Police Department, Hubbard Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

OSP and other law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this event.