NEWS RELEASE

TYPE OF OCCURRENCE: Motor Vehicle Crash

DATE OF OCCURRENCE: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

REPORTED TIME: 06:11am

LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: North State Road 135 at the intersection of Water Tower Road

INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Deputy Devin Hopkins

ASSISTING OFFICERS: Deputy Maxwell Mitchell

OTHER DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED: Salem Fire Department, Washington County Ambulance Service.

DETAILS:

On Tuesday morning, October 1st , Deputies of the Washington County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to North State Road 135, at the intersection of Water Tower Road, in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles.

Upon arrival, deputies observed a white 2019 Chevrolet truck and a black 2015 Chevrolet Malibu passenger car off the east side of North State Road 135.

The driver of the pickup truck was identified as Anthony Alexander, age 55, of Salem. The driver of the passenger car was identified as Tanner Bennett, age 24 of Salem.

The driver's statements and evidence at the scene indicated that Alexander was traveling east on Water Tower Road and Bennett was traveling south on North State Road 135. When Alexander stopped at the stop sign, he then attempted to continue straight through the intersection onto Lewellen Road. Alexander stated that he did not observe the vehicle traveling south on State Road 135 due to the fog.

Bennett stated he was traveling south on North State Road 135. Bennett stated that he observed the vehicle approaching the stop sign. Bennett stated the vehicle pulled out onto North State Road 135. Bennett then struck the pickup truck on the driver's side.

Alexander refused treatment on scene. Bennett was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Salem for complaint of ankle pain.

Sheriff Brent Miller WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT