Highway flagger struck by vehicle

AMITY - The Oregon State Police responded Thursday night to a report that a highway flagger was struck by a vehicle south of Amity on Highway 99W in the area of YAMPO Road.

The flagger was identified as Aldo Ray John, 56, a Marion County resident. He was transported by air ambulance to a Portland trauma hospital with serious injuries.

Deputy Chad Drew gave this account:

About 7 p.m., Dallas James Chrisman, 23, of Sheridan, was driving a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer northbound when he sideswiped a Ford Ranger driven by Cody Tyler Halverson, 19, of McMinnville. Halverson was stopped for road construction. The Blazer rolled onto its side, striking John.

Chrisman was transported by ground ambulance to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Halverson and a passenger, Stephanie Renee Jacks, 18, of Dayton, were not injured. Occupants of both vehicles were wearing seat belts.

Amity Fire District, Amity police, the Polk and Yamhill County sheriff's offices and Oregon Department of Transportation also responded.

The highway was closed for a period of time. No citations have been issued, and the investigation is ongoing.