A 34-year-old man from Independence, Oregon, has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that occurred on December 23, 2024, in West Salem.
The victim, identified as 63-year-old Steven Craig Bishop, was found deceased near the intersection of Murlark Avenue and Edgewater Street NW. Authorities believe the fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., when Bishop was struck by a vehicle that then fled the scene.
Surveillance footage from the area captured images of a white vehicle, potentially a 2015 or 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that was near the crash site shortly before Bishop was found. Investigators used this footage, along with additional evidence, to track down the suspect.
The driver, Micah Lee Blacksmith of Independence, was taken into custody and charged with hit-and-run and other related offenses. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
This tragic event marks another reminder of the dangers of hit-and-run crashes, where victims often do not receive the justice they deserve due to the actions of fleeing drivers. The Salem Police Department has promised to continue pursuing the case until all details are uncovered.
