ODOT Employee Struck by Car on Highway 26 (PHOTOS)

The victim came to rest outside his ODOT Vehicle with a sign flashing, "DO NOT PASS", "COULD BE UP TO A 15 MINUTE WAIT" and "WET PAINT".

Photos courtesy: Oregon State Police

(IRONSIDE, Ore.) - State Police say an Oregon Department of Transportation employee was struck Wednesday on Highway 26 just east of Ironside, Oregon at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Police say 57-year old Mike Bowen of Elgin, Oregon, was hit by a passing vehicle after getting out of his state vehicle, which was the rear pilot car on a painting crew that was striping the highway near Ironside.

It is reported that three other ODOT vehicles were in front of the incident and were in the process of striping Highway 26. The victim had attempted to exit his ODOT vehicle for an unknown reason when he was hit by a white, 2005 Chrysler Town and Country van, being operated by 31-year old Jeremiah Haze Knowlton of Siletz, Oregon.

Bowen was taken by air ambulance to a hospital in Boise, Idaho, with serious injuries. He had retired from ODOT, but had returned to work as a part time employee stationed in LaGrande.

After being struck the victim came to rest outside his ODOT vehicle on the highway. A reader board attached to the rear of the ODOT Vehicle had been flashing, "DO NOT PASS", "COULD BE UP TO A 15 MINUTE WAIT" and "WET PAINT".

The operator of the white mini van, Jeremiah Knowlton, was arrested for third-degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment of a Highway Worker and Reckless Driving. Knowlton was lodged at the Malheur County Jail. Highway 26 was closed for approximately two hours. Oregon State Police is continuing the investigation. Malheur County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Vale ambulance and Treasure Valley paramedics assisted at the scene.