Woodburn, OR. — The Woodburn Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon in the 1400 block of James Street.
Police said officers arrested Michael Ryan Bowar, 18, of Woodburn, at approximately 7:45 p.m. Thursday following an investigation into the crash, which occurred on December 19, 2025. Investigators determined Bowar was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the collision.
The crash resulted in the death of Jens Robert Lerback, a Woodburn resident, police said.
Bowar has been charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), Reckless Driving, three counts of Recklessly Endangering, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree. He was lodged at the Marion County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345 and reference case number 25-16553.
