UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Winston-Area Hit-and-Run Crash
UPDATE: OSP arrested Brandon James Jensen, 41, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed Dustin Rios, 30, on Highway 42 near Winston. Jensen faces charges of failure to perform the duties of a driver and tampering with evidence. The crash happened early Oct. 12, 2025.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – October 17, 2025 — Oregon State Police (OSP) say a suspect has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Highway 42 near Winston earlier this week.
Investigators announced that they located and arrested Brandon James Jensen, 41, on October 16, 2025. Jensen was taken into custody on charges of failure to perform the duties of a driver and tampering with physical evidence. OSP thanked the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the investigation.
Fatal Crash Details
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 12, 2025, when OSP troopers responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Highway 42 near milepost 76, close to Grant Smith Road and the Taco Bell restaurant near Winston.
Investigators determined that the victim, Dustin Rios, 30, of Canyonville, was walking in the eastbound lane of travel for unknown reasons when he was struck by a vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts, Rios was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver fled the scene before emergency crews arrived. Evidence collected at the site — including a detached driver-side mirror and a clear adhesive window visor — suggested the suspect vehicle was a 2006–2011 black Honda Civic. Witnesses last saw the car traveling eastbound toward Interstate 5 and possibly continuing northbound.
Investigation and Arrest
Following a multi-agency investigation, OSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) and other law enforcement partners identified and located the suspect vehicle and Jensen. His arrest ends a four-day search that involved collaboration between state and local agencies.
The highway remained closed for about four hours during the on-scene investigation on Sunday.
About the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit
The Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized team within OSP dedicated to investigating fatal and critical-injury crashes across Oregon. CRU investigators are highly trained in crash documentation, evidence analysis, and advanced investigative techniques — including the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Members are ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists, providing expert support to agencies statewide.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command dispatch center at 800-442-2068 or dial *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Reference case number SP25-433741.
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