Head-on crash with cop kills woman, 91

OAKRIDGE, Ore. - A 91-year-old Oakridge woman died and an Oakridge police officer is in critical condition following a traffic crash Monday afternoon east of Eugene. The accident shut down Highway 58 at the Crestview Street intersection in Oakridge for hours.

Oregon state police, with the assistance of the Oakridge Police Department, are continuing the investigation.

Just before 4 p.m. Oct. 12 an Oakridge Police Department patrol car driven by Officer Daniel Miller, 27, was westbound on Highway 58 near milepost 35. His emergency lights and siren were activated, and police said he was "attempting to overtake a speed violator."

As Miller approached the Crestview Street intersection, in the left westbound lane, police said an eastbound 1965 Ford Thunderbird driven by Virginia Spalinger moved into the left turn lane. The driver reportedly attempted to turn left onto Crestview Street directly into
the path of the patrol car. 

Her Ford collided head-on with the left front of the patrol car in the middle of the intersection.

Officer Miller was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend and is reported in critical condition.

Spalinger was transported by ambulance to the same hospital were she was pronounced deceased after arrival. Next of kin were notified by hospital staff.

Both drivers were reported to be using safety restraints.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Oakridge and Springfield offices are continuing the investigation with the assistance of Oakridge Police Department. Oakridge Fire Department and Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.

Any witnesses who have not been interviewed by state police investigators are asked to contact Senior Trooper Dusty Sprague at (541) 782-4374.

Highway 58 was closed for about 4 1/2 hours during the on-scene investigation.