Reckless Driver Crashes Into OSP Trooper Vehicle

On Friday, March 10, 2023, at 00:29 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a white 2003 Honda Pilot on Highway 47 southbound, entering the city of Gaston at 118mph in a 30mph zone. The deputy attempted to catch up with the vehicle as it entered Yamhill County at now 122mph. The deputy lost sight of the vehicle, and they notified Yamhill County dispatch to inform them of the reckless driver.

A Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office deputy located the vehicle and attempted to stop it. However, the vehicle eluded them and turned north on Highway 47 toward Washington County.

Additional officers from the Forest Grove Police Department and the Oregon State Police responded to assist by placing stop sticks on Highway 47 as it came north towards the city of Forest Grove. The stop sticks were successfully deployed, and the vehicle ran over them at Highway 47 and Anderson Road.

An Oregon State Police Trooper was outside his patrol vehicle on the southbound shoulder removing his stop sticks at Highway 47 and B Street. The suspect vehicle, still traveling at approximately 87mph, crossed the southbound lanes and struck the patrol vehicle head-on.

Deputies arrested the driver, 33-year-old Kevin Flanagan of Gaston, on the following charges:

• assault in the fourth degree
• recklessly endangering another person
• criminal mischief in the second degree
• reckless driving
• driving while suspended
• attempting to elude
• five additional outstanding warrants

A female passenger was also in the vehicle and had to be assisted by deputies out of the vehicle due to the crash. Deputies noted while speaking to the passenger that she had been listening to Washington County dispatch using a cell phone scanner app. The passenger stated that she was pregnant and was transported to the hospital by ambulance for evaluation. There are currently no pending charges for the passenger.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Forest Grove Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.