On the 2nd of February 2012, at approximately 3:30 PM, the Hermiston Police Department was requested to assist the Oregon State Police in/with a motor vehicle crash that took place on Highway 207 and the eastbound exit ramp of I-84 involving one of their troopers.

To ensure impartiality, it is a typical practice for most agencies to request assistance from neighboring or surrounding agencies when a crash takes place involving one of their employees.  The Hermiston Police Department was more than willing to assist in this investigation.

The crash investigation revealed the following:  Raul Rojas 44 years of age of Cornelius, Oregon was operating a 1990 Ford Taurus (silver in color) with Oregon plates 055DZH with Amalia Rivas 78 years of age of Boardman as his passenger.  Rojas had just exited Interstate 84 (eastbound) and stopped at the Highway 207 intersection.  Rojas entered onto Hwy 207 turning left to head north towards Hermiston.  Rojas pulled his vehicle directly in front of Sergeant Seth Cooney (of Hermiston) who was operating a 2006 Dodge Charger while on duty.  Sgt. Cooney had Trooper Michael Mayer of Pendleton as his passenger.

As a result of the collision, all parties involved were transported to Good Shepherd Hospital for evaluation.  The exact extent of injuries (if any) is unknown at the time of this release.

Rojas was issued a citation for Dangerous Left Turn for not yielding the right of way to Cooney who was traveling southbound on Hwy 207.