Patriot Guard Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Crash

The injured man was taken to Salem Hospital, and was wearing his helmet when the crash occurred police said.

A Patriot Guard motorcyclist was seriously injured Sunday afternoon in a collision with a pickup at the Highway 51 and Halls Ferry Road intersection about three miles north of Independence. Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police

(INDEPENDENCE, Ore.) - A Patriot Guard motorcyclist was seriously injured Sunday afternoon in a collision with a pickup at the Highway 51 and Halls Ferry Road intersection about three miles north of Independence.

Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings says at approximately 4:35 p.m., a 1990 Yamaha motorcycle operated by 50-year-old Richard Romano, from Independence, was traveling northbound on Highway 51 approaching the intersection with Halls Ferry Road.

A 2013 Dodge pickup driven by 64-year-old David Hargreaves, from Caldwell, Idaho, was stopped at a stop sign on Halls Ferry Road and pulled out into the motorcyclist's path.

The motorcycle collided into the pickup's driver side door, ejecting Romano on impact and seriously injuring him.

Romano was transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital. He was wearing a protective helmet.

Hargreaves and a 63-year old female passenger were not injured,and Hargreaves was cited by Oregon State Police for Fail to Yield Right of Way, Hastings said.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Fire District No. 1, and ODOT.

Highway 51 was temporarily blocked during the emergency response and crash investigation.