A tragic accident unfolded in Woodburn last Friday, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old pedestrian and an 18-year-old driver facing multiple charges. Woodburn Police Department confirmed that they were called to the scene at the intersection of Tierra Lynn and James Street shortly before 1 p.m., where the pedestrian, Jens Robert Lerback, was struck by a vehicle and pronounced dead, as reported by KATU News.
According to the Statesman Journal, the incident occurred when the driver, identified as Michael Ryan Bowar, hit an unoccupied parked car, then Lerback, who was in the roadway and a second parked car before crashing into a nearby home. Bowar and the occupants of the vehicles and the residents of the home were reported to be uninjured in the chaotic series of events.
Further details emerged from KGW, stating that Bowar remained at the scene, and subsequent investigations led to his arrest on charges including second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), reckless driving, and three counts of recklessly endangering and second-degree criminal mischief. Bowar was taken into custody on the night of the accident and is currently lodged at the Marion County Jail.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, James Street was closed between Pacific Highway and Tierra Lynn Drive for a duration. Police continue to appeal to the public for any witnesses or individuals with additional information related to the crash to come forward. Woodburn police have urged those with information to call the department at 503-982-2345, referencing case No. 25-16553, to assist in the thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss of life.
