COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (KMTR) -- UPDATE: Oregon State Police troopers from the Springfield Area Command are continuing the investigation into a Monday afternoon fatal hit-and-run crash on London Road south of Cottage Grove near milepost 7 which resulted in the death of one person. The involved driver and vehicle were located a short time later and an arrest has not been made at this time.
According to Lieutenant Rob Edwards, on December 31, 2012 at approximately 3:18 PM, a white 2000 Buick four-door sedan was traveling southbound in the 74000 block of London Road when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the northbound lane and traveled completely off the roadway onto the east grassy shoulder. The Buick struck and killed Ramonda J. Berg, age 60, of Cottage Grove. Berg was standing at the end of her driveway near her mailbox when she was struck; she was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Buick failed to stop and continued south on London Road.
A short time later troopers developed information regarding the suspect vehicle and driver, locating them at a residence approximately five miles south of the crash site. The driver was identified as Diana L. Smith, age 63, from Cottage Grove.
Troopers are working with the Lane County District Attorney's office and the investigation is continuing. The lead investigators are Trooper Ryan Hockema and Senior Trooper Blaine Hlebechuk. There is no evidence to indicate alcohol was a contributing factor.
OSP is asking anyone who may have witnessed or may have information pertaining to this incident to call OSP Detective Jamin Van Meter at 541 726-2536 x 241.
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COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (KMTR) -- Police have a suspect in custody after a deadly hit-and-run incident in in Cottage Grove.
Oregon State Police were called to the 71000 of London Road at about 3:20 PM Monday afternoon.
Investigators say it appears the female victim was struck by a car while taking out the garbage.
They say a friend tried to give the woman CPR but she didn't survive.
Police say they found the suspect and the vehicle at a residence.
