Passenger in crash in serious condition

One of the passengers involved in a crash on state Highway 14 – one of two on the roadway early Sunday – is in serious condition at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.

Matthew B. Slade, 42, of Mill Creek is receiving treatment at the hospital, a spokesperson said. All others involved in the crash were not listed among Legacy patients.

At 2:12 a.m., there was a three-car, wrong-way crash on eastbound state Highway 14 just west of Columbia House Boulevard, according to the WSP.

The WSP said Slade was driving a 2012 Mini Cooper west in the eastbound lanes when his car crashed into two vehicles: a 2014 Kia Optima driven by Paulette I. Ramirez, 28, of Fairview, Ore., and a 2000 Honda Passport driven by Jerry Ybarra, 53, of Salem, Ore.

Five people were injured in the crash. The WSP said Slade and Ramirez were transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, as was Nyrie L. Taylor, 34, of Portland, a passenger in Ramirez’ vehicle, and Christabel Bello, 42, a passenger in Ybarra’s vehicle. Ybarra was transported to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.

Trooper Will Finn said Monday that Slade’s Mini Cooper entered the freeway at Columbia House Boulevard.

The WSP said drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash. A report stated Slade would be charged with wrong-way driving and DUI, and Ybarra would be charged with DUI.