Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports today his Detectives arrested 34-year old Nicholas Popken of Corvallis after several months of investigation in regards to a hit and run on December 12, 2017. The location of the hit and run was near the address of 1600 NE Old Salem Road in Millersburg. The victim, a 38-year old female, who is from Florida, was struck by a vehicle while walking in the area. She was found by a passerby. She suffered life threatening injuries and was in the hospital for over three weeks before her release.
Popken was contacted within a few days of the female being found unconscious on the side of NE Old Salem Road. He admitted he thought he was responsible for hitting her. Early evidence left at the scene indicated a Volkswagen Jetta was likely the type of vehicle that hit the female. Popken was in possession of a damaged Volkswagen Jetta at the time he came forward and cooperated with the investigation.
Nicholas Popken was lodged in the Linn County Jail on felony charges of Assault II and Failing to Perform Duties of a Driver (Injury).
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and anyone with information on this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective John Lovik at 541-917-6675.