Salem, OR. – Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie A. Bureta has sentenced 36-year-old Sergio Reyes Aguilar to 13½ years in the Oregon Department of Corrections for a fatal hit-and-run earlier this year. Aguilar was convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
The case began on January 16, 2025, when Salem Police officers responded to a call reporting a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian near Lancaster Dr. NE and Beverly Ave. NE. The victim, 56-year-old Brian Coulson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Roughly an hour later, police located Aguilar and his heavily damaged vehicle on Cordon Road. Investigators discovered a blood trail nearly 2,000 feet long tracing the path from the collision site to where Coulson’s body was found. Aguilar later admitted he had been driving, claiming he swerved to avoid what he thought was a traffic cone. In reality, he had struck Coulson and drove with the victim on the hood until Coulson fell off, after which Aguilar fled.
Aguilar initially posted $500,000 bail and was released. Six months later, in June 2025, he was arrested again—this time while driving a stolen vehicle. He attempted to flee on foot and was found in possession of methamphetamine.
“Traffic fatalities are preventable tragedies. This case is a reminder of the consequences of careless decisions,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “Our office is committed to addressing traffic violations and protecting every member of this community.”
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys David Wilson and Mae Orawiec, who thanked Salem Police officers for their detailed investigation.
Marion County officials note that traffic-related deaths remain a serious concern and urge drivers to avoid impaired or distracted driving and stay alert on the roads.
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