Press Release
To: Interested Media
From: Gary J. Riedner, Moscow City Supervisor
Re: Council President John Dickinson
Moscow Mayor Nancy Chaney announced that she has been informed by the Moscow Police Department that Moscow City Council President John Dickinson has been missing since Sunday evening (January 7, 2007) following a vehicle accident on Interstate 84 in Oregon.
The Oregon State Police have issued the following Press Release relating to the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Chaney has offered the assistance of the City of Moscow in aid of the search. She stated that “the thoughts and best wishes of the community are with John and his family and friends.”
The City of Moscow will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
News Release from: Oregon State Police
A 62-YEAR OLD MOSCOW, IDAHO MAN IS MISSING AFTER A CRASH ON INTERSTATE 84 OVER THE JOHN DAY RIVER
Posted: January 8th, 2007 7:56 AM
A 62-year-old Moscow, Idaho man is missing after being involved in a traffic collision on Interstate 84 where it crosses over the John Day River. The area is approximately 28 miles east of The Dalles, Oregon. Two other people received minor injuries in the incident.
On 01-07-07, at approximately 6:00 PM, a 1999 Plymouth Neon operated by Joanne Sutton, age 25, of Portland, Oregon was westbound on Interstate 84. As Sutton's vehicle was crossing the John Day River, she swerved to avoid debris that was in the roadway. The Plymouth Neon struck the center divider and came to a rest blocking the slow lane of the freeway.
A Blue Mini Cooper operated by John Dickinson, age 62, of Moscow, Idaho stopped behind the Plymouth Neon. Julie Bell, age 47, of Portland, Oregon was a passenger in the Mini Cooper. Dickinson got out of his vehicle and rendered assistance to Ms. Sutton. As Mr. Dickinson was outside of his vehicle, a 1969 Pontiac Firebird operated by David Grant, age 42, of Portland, Oregon ran into the back of the Mini Cooper. After responding to the scene of the collisions, Oregon State Police troopers determined that Mr. Dickinson was missing and could not be accounted for.
Because the location where the crashes occurred is a bridge spanning the mouth of the John Day River, the possibility exists that Mr. Dickinson either fell off of the bridge or jumped to avoid being struck by a vehicle. The bridge railing is solid concrete and is approximately 3 1/2 feet high.
The Sherman County Sheriff's Office launched their patrol boat and searched the John Day River and portions of the Columbia River for Mr. Dickinson. State Troopers using FLIR and night vision also searched the shoreline in the area of the incident. The Sherman County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police will continue the search for Mr. Dickinson Monday morning. Mr. Dickinson's next of kin have been notified that he is missing.