This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police, with the assistance of members of an interagency crash investigation team, is continuing the investigation into a single vehicle rollover crash Sunday afternoon on Highway 226 between Lyons and Scio. 

The crash critically injured an 18-year old male who was one of five passengers ejected from the open bed of a pickup. 

The other four ejected passengers were not injured and the 17-year old driver was arrested on numerous charges including Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).

On June 3, 2007 at approximately 4:45 p.m. a Toyota pickup with seven total occupants was being driven by Justin Clement-Romey, age 17, from Albany, westbound on Highway 226 near milepost 18 when it lost control. 

The pickup rolled off the highway causing five occupants, ages 15 to 19, to be ejected from the open bed. 

One of the five ejected pickup bed occupants identified as John Elliot, age 18, from Albany, was critically injured.  He was transported by REACH air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland with critical injuries.

Clement-Romey and the five other passengers were not injured.  All occupants are from the Albany area.

An investigation led by Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office is ongoing.  Troopers are being assisted by members of an interagency crash investigation team including officers from Linn County Sheriff's Office and Sweet Home Police Department.

According to OSP Sergeant Craig Flierl, the preliminary investigation indicates witnesses reported the pickup allegedly being driven in a reckless manger prior to the crash.  Alcohol is also believed to be a possible contributing factor.

Clement-Romey is being detained at a Linn County-area juvenile detention facility for DUII, Reckless Driving, Assault in the Second Degree, and six counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

ODOT is assisting at the scene along with local emergency responder personnel.  The westbound lane was been closed after the crash happened.

This crash happened on the final day of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign during which local police departments, sheriff's offices and Oregon State Police placed extra enforcement efforts focused on booster seat use, prohibition of minors under 18 from riding in the open bed of pick up trucks, and safety belt use by occupants of taxis, shuttles, limos and other vehicles for hire which carry fifteen or fewer passengers. 

The campaign began May 21st and is ending June 3rd.