Micah Lee Blacksmith, age 34 of Salem, turned herself in to the Polk County Jail on Tuesday, February 4. Blacksmith was the driver involved in a collision with pedestrian, Steven Craig Bishop, on December 23, 2024, in west Salem. Bishop died at the scene.
Blacksmith was taken into custody on the charge of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured person.
The Polk County District Attorney’s Office is handling the case, and all media inquiries should be directed to that agency.
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Overnight death investigation in west Salem
Investigation determined a hit-and-run fatality
Update 12/30/2024 | 0830
The preliminary investigation done by the Traffic Team determined the man found in the roadway on the evening of December 23 was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. The victim, identified as Steven Craig Bishop, was pronounced deceased by responding paramedics.
The hit-and-run fatality occurred on Murlark AV just north of Edgewater ST NW at about 8:30 p.m.
Video surveillance near the area where Bishop was found shows a passing motorist minutes before the call to police was received. In the recording, a white vehicle is seen traveling eastbound on Edgewater ST NW as it approaches Murlark AV NW. The vehicle appears to be a Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2015 or 2016 model year.
Investigators ask for the public’s help in finding this vehicle of interest.
If you are the driver, know the person driving in the video, or if you have information about the case, please call the Traffic Team investigators at 503-588-8477.
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Video URL: https://salempd.info/case-24111545
Originally published 12/24/2024 | 1200
Overnight death investigation in west Salem
Salem, Ore. — At approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday evening, December 23, Salem Police officers responded to the call of an injured man found in the roadway in the area of Murlark AV and Edgewater ST NW.
The man, age 63, was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification to the family.
The Salem Police Traffic Team is investigating the incident as a possible hit-and-run. Anyone who may have information related to this investigation is encouraged to call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503??’588??’8477.
The intersection was closed for three-and-a-half hours for the scene investigation.
No further information is available for release at this time.
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