September 21, 2026 4:00 p.m. 

A fleeing vehicle crashed on Highway 42 on Saturday, resulting in the death of three people.

An OSP report released Monday afternoon said just after 4:45 p.m. troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42 near milepost 21 in Coos County near Myrtle Point.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a Myrtle Point Police Department officer was attempting to contact a suspect, identified as 69-year-old Gregory Paul Olson of Myrtle Point, who had attempted to leave a local business several hours earlier without paying for merchandise. The report said Olson fled from the officer in his vehicle and traveled eastbound on Highway 42 at a high rate of speed.

Olson subsequently lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the center line, and his vehicle collided head-on with a westbound SUV operated by 32-year-old James Edward Price of Myrtle Point, that was towing a jet ski. Price was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The passenger in the SUV, 20-year-old Genevieve Marie Huffaker of Coquille, was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

A 4-month-old female infant was transported to a Portland-area hospital where she was also pronounced deceased.

Olson suffered serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The Oregon State Police investigation is ongoing.