Police Say Poorly Hitched Trailer Caused Major Crash Near Sheridan

The driver towing a trailer was cited for Operation of an Unsafe Vehicle

The impact of the crash sheared off the Chevrolet pickup's left side and the driver received minor injuries. Photo of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(SHERIDAN, Ore.) - Police say an improperly transported trailer that broke free and crashed into another vehicle was the reason for an injury crash Saturday afternoon on Highway 18 near Sheridan.

It happened at 4:00 PM according to Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Mark McDougal, as a 1999 Ford F-350 pickup was pulling a utility trailer eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 33. It was driven by 33-year old Jose Garcia-Naranjo of St. Paul.

"As the vehicles went over railroad tracks, the trailer separated from the pickup because the pickup's hitch ball was an incorrect size for the trailer. When the trailer's safety chains broke, it completely separated and struck a westbound 1994 Chevrolet S-10 pickup." McDougal says that vehicle was driven by 27-year old Dustin Spencer of Klamath Falls.

"The impact sheared off the Chevrolet pickup's left side and Spencer received minor injuries. He was transported by a family member to Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville for treatment."

McDougal says that neither Garcia-Naranjo nor his three passengers were injured. He was cited for Operation of an Unsafe Vehicle.

OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office were assisted at the scene by Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, and Sheridan Fire Department.