On Tuesday, 12/01/2015, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Newport Police Officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. The victim had been struck while attempting to cross Hwy 101 at SE 2nd Street. The suspect vehicle had fled the scene prior to Officers’ arrival.  A press release was issued requesting the public’s help locating the vehicle which, through investigation, was determined to be a Nissan Versa red in color. Thanks to a tip received by an alert citizen, the suspect vehicle was located in a residential neighborhood in Newport.

On 12/05/2015, Officers responded to the residence the vehicle was spotted, and contacted and questioned Jamie Boast-Cross, age 50 of Newport. Boast-Cross admitted to driving the vehicle in the area at the time of the crash. She admitted to striking something in the road that she believed was a road pylon. She also stated she heard screeching tires behind her, but when she looked in her rearview mirror, she didn’t see anything in the road. She continued to drive north on Highway 101. Boast-Cross stated she was distracted by talking on her cell phone, as well as other things occupying her mind.

Boast-Cross was issued a Criminal Citation for Failing to Perform the Duties of a Driver. Her bail was set at $100,000.  The Newport Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Newport for the numerous tips received. These tips led to the location of the vehicle, and the arrest of the offending driver, Jamie Boast-Cross.

Information provided by NPD