Synthetic Marijuana sales targetted in Polk County

News Release from: Polk Co. Sheriff's Office
SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA SALES TARGETTED IN POLK COUNTY
Posted: August 2nd, 2011 9:26 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1292/46575/Market_pictures.docx (Photos of Markets )

The Polk Interagency Narcotics Team (POINT) served three (3) search warrants at convenience stores in Monmouth and Dallas on 8-2-2011. The search warrants were the result of an investigation into the illegal sale of synthetic cannabinoids otherwise known as Spice, K2 or fake weed. These substances are a mixture of herbs, incents and synthetic blends of compounds of Tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC). The U.S. Drug Administration has restricted five (5) compounds of synthetic cannabinoids. In October of 2010 the Oregon Board of Pharmacy placed all synthetic blends of cannabinoids into Schedule I controlled substances, similar to Heroin and Methamphetamine, making it a felony to possess and sell any type of synthetic cannabinoid in Oregon.

Notice was provided to store owners and the change in schedule was well publicized. POINT received a complaint through the Monmouth Police Department of illegal sales taking place at the Monmouth Market and Deli. Based on that complaint, POINT set up an operation to attempt to purchase the illegal substance at all convenience stores in Polk County. They were successful in purchasing synthetic cannabinoids in the following three stores:
* Monmouth Market and Deli, 417 Main Street E, Monmouth
* Neighborhood Market and Deli, 173 Pacific Avenue S, Monmouth
* Dallas Fuel and Food Mart, 430 S Main Street, Dallas
No other convenience stores in Polk County carried the stock and several stated that the substance was illegal to sell. The search warrants allowed investigators to seize the on-hand stock of illegal substances from the convenience stores and interview store owners in regard to the source of the materials. Other items seized included pipes specifically designed for the use of Methamphetamine, which were stored behind the front counter out of sight, lab reports and receipts of purchases. The investigation into the source supplier(s) continues as of this date.

No immediate arrests were made. POINT intends to report their findings to the Polk County District Attorney's Office for their review.

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Oregon State Police - TUE 2:23pm

Oregon State Police: Injury Pedestrian-Involved Crash - Highway 211 and Barlow Road is closed - LifeFlight responding - No more info available for release - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com .

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Salem Fire Dept. - TUE 1:17pm

Salem Fire Dept.: Salem Fire Department is currently fighting a Three-Alarm apartment at the intersection of Wallace Road NW and Taybin Rd. NW. Traffic lanes a blocked on Wallace Rd and Taybin Rd.
Salem Fire Department
Laird Case- Deputy Fire Marshal
503-932-5772 UPDATE

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Salem Fire Dept. - TUE 1:00pm

Salem Fire Dept.: Salem Fire Department
Laird Case- Deputy Fire Marshal
503-932-5772

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Five Injured in Early Morning Crash - Driver Arrested

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
FIVE INJURED IN EARLY MORNING CRASH - DRIVER ARRESTED
Posted: August 2nd, 2011 10:23 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46551/darty.JPG (Patrick Darty )
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46551/Ford_Explorer_2.jpg (Crash Scene)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46551/Ford_explorer_1.jpg (2004 Ford Explorer)

Five people were treated for injuries following a early-morning vehicle crash on Grade Road SE near Spring Villa Road, east of Silverton.

Dispatchers received a 1:53am, 911 call from the occupants of the vehicle saying they'd been involved in the crash, but didn't really know where they were. This area is very remote and often used for off-road driving and as a place where younger people congregate.

Using the GPS tracking system in the cell phones, dispatchers narrowed down the location of the crash and dispatched Marion County deputies to the scene.

Deputy Mark Ferron arrived 30 minutes after the original call and found the badly damaged 2004 Ford Explorer. It had rolled several times and struck two trees. It's not known how long the occupants delayed in calling 911 after the crash.

All occupants of the vehicle were injured; with injuries ranging from minor to serious. None were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. A large bottle of whiskey was found in the crash debris.

Medics from several area fire districts were called to assist in the transport of patients to both the Silverton and Salem Hospitals. Life Flight transported the most seriously injured patient by helicopter to the Salem Emergency Room.

The occupants were identified as:

Patrick Lee Darty, 18, of Salem (Driver) - treated at the Salem Hospital
Brittney Bennett, 19, of Salem - Life Flight to Salem Hospital
Chelsea Bennett, 19, of Salem - treated at the Salem Hospital
Joselyn Opoeza, 20, of Salem - treated at the Salem Hospital
Sergia Jesus Ayala, 19, of Salem - treated at the Silverton Hospital

Consistent with HIPAA regulations, no further medical information will be released on the conditions of the occupants without their consent.

Deputy Nick Hunter, who is trained as a Drug Recognition Expert, assisted at the crash scene. He determined that Darty was impaired. Following his treatment at the Salem Hospital, Darty was arrested and booked into the Marion County jail. His charges include one count of Assault 2, three counts of Assault 4, DUII, Reckless Driving, four counts of Reckless Endangerment, and four counts of Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. He is being held without bail. His court appearance is set for 3:00pm, August 3rd.

The Marion County CRASH Team responded to the scene and will complete a reconstruction investigation on the crash.

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Mug Shots

These folks are sleeping in the Marion Co. jail tonight. Sweet dreams. To see the Marion County Correctional Facility Inmate Roster, click here.

Lancaster Drive Safety Improvements Take Effect Thursday, August 4th

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
LANCASTER DRIVE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TAKE EFFECT THURSDAY, AUGUST 4TH
Posted: August 1st, 2011 2:29 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46531/Lancaster_35mph.jpg (New Speed Limit on Lancaster)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1294/46531/Winema_Bus_Stop.jpg (Winema Bus Stop)

The primary goal of the Traffic Safety Team is to reduce the number of crashes through enforcement, education and engineering efforts.

Following the September 2010, double-fatal crash on Lancaster Drive, members of the Traffic Safety Team joined forces with representatives from ODOT, Salem-Keizer Transit, Chemeketa College and the Marion County Public Works Department to conduct a survey to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow on Lancaster Drive, in Salem. This collaborative effort is part of an on-going traffic safety strategy which includes an assessment of the need for engineering changes or traffic enforcement.

As result of their work, traffic changes have been made that will take effect on Thursday August 4th.

The speed limit on Lancaster Drive NE from Stortz Avenue NE to Pacific Highway 99E (Portland Road) will be lowered from 45mph to 35mph. This area is populated by apartment complexes with many children who gather in groups along Lancaster Drive to wait for their school buses to pick them up.

Public Works Sr. Engineering Technician Bill Brownlee wants the public to know that "We will be monitoring the impact of these changes on traffic safety, making adjustments where necessary. Our strategy focuses on evaluating the changes we've instituted to make sure they accomplish their intended purpose".

The Cherriots bus stop has now been moved from Lancaster Drive to Winema Place NE. (photo attached). This location reduces the risk to transit passengers when they access the bus system. The new location is also closer to the classrooms at Chemeketa College and the offices of the Department of Human Services; a bonus during inclement weather. The former location was the actual scene of the double-fatal crash last year when pedestrians waiting for the bus were struck by an intoxicated driver. Director of Transportation Development, Steve Dickey commented, "We welcome the opportunity to work with the Sheriff's Office and Chemeketa College. Our primary purpose is to provide a safe environment for our passengers".

The Marion County Public Works Department will post signs warning drivers of the changes, and deputies from the traffic safety team will be present to educate drivers (photo attached). TST Sergeant Craig Cunningham added: "Our deputies will issue warnings for the first week, allowing drivers time to acclimate to the changes. Ultimately, our education focus will shift to enforcement to ensure compliance with the new speed limit". ODOT has granted additional traffic safety funding to the Sheriff's Office to support the enforcement effort.

Drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes and to slow down to improve safety.

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