Oregon State Police Seek Coast Range Hit-and-Run Suspect Who May Have Left U.S.

Published 07/24/25 at 1:25 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) – State authorities are looking for a Tillamook man believed to have left the country after he allegedly caused an accident in the Oregon Coast Range, one that resulted in the death of a teen.

On July 12, Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a hit-and-run incident on Highway 18 in Tillamook County, arriving at the Grand Ronde-area incident about 3:15 a.m.

Initial investigations by OSP indicated a white Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 14 when it hit a black Nissan Altima on the side of the road, stranded there because of a flat tire. Outside the Nissan were three 17-year-old males changing the flat: they were all struck by the Honda.

The Honda did not stop after hitting the vehicle and those outside, instead continuing east.

OSP said driving the Honda was 34-year-old Tillamook resident Alejandro Christopher Velazquez Lopez.

“All three male juveniles were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries,” OSP said. “A 17-year-old female passenger was inside the Nissan at the time of the crash and was not injured.”

Highway 18 - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

OSP detectives from the Major Crime Sectio were called to investigate but they were unable to find Lopez.

Two days later, on July 14, OSP was notified that one of the teens died from the injuries sustained in the crash. The crash incident was then considered a fatal one.

It is now believed that Lopez has left the U.S. and there is an active warrant for his arrest.

“The highway was impacted for approximately 11.5 hours during the on-scene investigation,” OSP said.

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Police, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Highway 18 in this part of the north Oregon coast is not as statistically as dangerous as nearby Highway 6. That section of the coast range saw a record run of injuries and fatalities back in 2021. See Three Fatal Wrecks Along Hwy 6: Oregon Coast Leaders Urge Caution

See Oregon Coast Highway, Coast Range Passes Traffic, Road Conditions | | Portland, Oregon Highway Traffic, Road Conditions - Traffic Cams: I-5 - I-205 - I-405 - Hwy 217 - I-84

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Exquisite Spring Break Hangouts on Oregon Coast with New Discoveries
The wows of Lincoln City and Cannon Beach, including the beginning of a ghost forest. Lincoln City hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, specials, Seaside hotel reviews. Shearwater Inn, Schooner's Cove, Wayside Inn, Pelican Shores Inn, Looking Glass Inn

Constant Killer Views at One Cannon Beach Legend: Oregon Coast Travel Tips
There's also deep history at this popular, luxury hotel. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Cannon Beach lodging, Tolovana Inn, Manzanita hotel reviews, Seaside hotel reviews

Kiwanda Coastal Properties - Pacific City Hotel Reviews
Rates rock bottom now, but for an extra 10 perc use code 'BEACHCONNECT'. Click to see

Getting Oregon Coast Stays on the 'Lowdown' - Where Lincoln City Cut Rates
Excellent Lincoln City specials abound. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Inn at Wecoma, Surfland, Coho Lodge

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted