Erratic driver hits car while man is on phone with 911

Erratic driver hits car while man is on phone with 911

By KATU Web Staff

TILLAMOOK, Ore. - Oregon State Police asked for the public's help in tracking down the driver and any other occupants of a van involved in a serious hit-and-run crash on Highway 6 near Tillamook late Saturday.

According to police, a 2003 Pontiac Vibe was heading west on the highway about 11:30 p.m. when it was rear-ended by a green 1995 Ford Windstar van just east of Tillamook.

The force of the collision sent the Pontiac into the oncoming traffic lane, where it struck a 2005 Chevrolet four-door car, police said.

The driver of the van initially stopped but then drove away, police said. About 90 minutes after the wreck, authorities found the van abandoned in Tillamook near the courthouse - about a mile from the scene of the crash.

Investigators learned that the van's previous owner had sold the vehicle to a stranger, and that person had apparently not registered the vehicle in his or her name, police said.

On Monday, Oregon State Police released photos of the vehicles involved and a recording of a 911 call from Stephen Kershaw in which he describes the minivan as driving erratically just before it hits his car while he is on the phone.

Seven people were hurt in the wreck. 

Steven Kershaw, 55, of Tillamook, who was driving the Pontiac, was taken to Tillamook County General Hospital for treatment.

His passengers included:

  • Nancy Kershaw, 51, who was taken to a Portland-area hospital for treatment.
  • Alyssa Kershaw, 19, who was taken to Tillamook County General for treatment.

Joshua Dreweck, 23, of Forest Grove, who was driving the Chevrolet, was critically injured and taken to a Portland-area hospital by LifeFlight.

His passengers, who were all taken to Tillamook County General for treatment, included:

  • Jason Dreweck, 23, of Forest Grove
  • Grady Fox, 20, of Forest Grove
  • Ashley Lamini, 21, of Beaverton

Anyone with information about the van's occupants was asked to call the state police Northern Command Center dispatch at (800) 452-7888.

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