Sergeant with Polk County Sheriff's Office Killed in Crash

Police are searching for the following vehicle: a white Dodge or Chevy 3/4 ton or 1 ton pick up truck, standard or possibly with an extended cab.

A 15-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office has died following a car crash in West Salem. Photo Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A 15-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office has died following a car crash in West Salem.

Salem Police say 48-year old Randy W. Whittaker of Dallas was a Sergeant with the sheriff's office.

The preliminary investigation found that Whittaker was in his vehicle with his dog, traveling east on Highway 22 in the right lane, when another vehicle passed them. Whittaker moved into the left lane, lost control of his vehicle and struck the large cement barriers running along the east side of the highway.

Police are searching for the following vehicle: a white Dodge or Chevy 3/4 ton or 1 ton pick up truck, standard or possibly with an extended cab. The truck has an industrial type black flat bed. The pick up is raised, with large, oversize tires. The pick up appeared to be a work truck. In the pick up were two male occupants.

Salem Police request anyone who may have witnessed the events prior, during or after the crash, or see this vehicle to contact Salem Police Dispatch at 503-588-6123.