Victims, suspect identified in Philomath hit and run

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Deputies have arrested Ricky Ferguson, 53, for the involvement in a hit and run crash on Highway 20 in Philomath Saturday morning. He was charged with Manslaughter I, Assault II, Reckless Driving, Hit & Run Vehicle-Injury, and Tampering with Evidence.

Officers say two community volunteer were collecting debris along the highway, when they were struck by a white Ford 250 pickup truck, which fled the scene.

One of the volunteers was Robert Ozretich, 70, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The other volunteer Allan Deutsch, 85, remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

Deputies later located the suspect's picking at the Blodgett Store, just west of Philomath.

Benton County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information from people who saw Ferguson's white, 2004 Ford F250 pickup truck, Oregon license plate 377 JQR, on January 12-13. They know Ferguson stayed in the Philomath area for a significant period of time after the incident, stopping at numerous roadside locations to work on his vehicle and alter its appearance.

Witnesses are asked to call Sergeant Iverson at 541-766-6858 with vehicle information.