Thursday, January 5, 2012

Public assist on fatal crash

On October 15, 2011 Idaho State Police investigated a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on US95 near milepost 341. The pedestrian was identified as Joshwa Merriken, and investigation revealed Merriken was struck and killed the evening of September 30, 2011.

The suspect vehicle is a 1986 through 1992 Ford F-series pickup or Bronco which was likely to be either towing or hauling a camper. We have obtained a list of vehicles in the area and have evidence to confirm the specific vehicle involved when we find it, however the list is very long and will be time consuming and costly to go through.

Merriken had been warned numerous times by family and several law enforcement agencies about walking along the fog line on highways and being dressed in dark, non reflective clothing.
Due to the circumstances of the collision, it is very likely there would have been no charges filed for striking Mr. Merriken.

We are slowly narrowing down the list, however we are urging the driver of the vehicle, witnesses, or anyone else who has information to come forward and allow us to close the investigation sooner than later, and allow the family some sort of closure.

POC is Trooper Montgomery at District 2 headquarters, 208-799-5150. Reference case L11000833.