A Benton County grand jury has indicted a 22-year-old Philomath woman on manslaughter and other charges stemming from a crash on Alsea Highway this past spring that killed a 13-year-old California boy.
Haley Grace Sumners faces allegations that include four felony charges and four misdemeanor charges in connection with the April 19 two-vehicle collision. The indictment was filed Oct. 23 in Benton County Circuit Court.
Sumners pleaded not guilty to all charges at an Oct. 24 arraignment. The court imposed bail security in the amount of $10,000. The case is continued to a status hearing on Nov. 18.
The crash took the life of Alexander Harteau, of Newark, California. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported that the juvenile was a backseat passenger in a Ford Escape that was struck from behind while turning onto Grange Hall Road. He was pronounced deceased while being transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.
Sumners was driving west on Highway 34 in a Ford F-350 when she struck the rear of the Escape, BCSO reported. The Escape’s driver and a front-seat passenger sustained injuries. Sumners and her passenger were reportedly not injured.
The Oct. 21 grand jury indicted Sumners on charges of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and two counts of third-degree assault, all felonies. Misdemeanor charges include two counts of recklessly endangering another person, second-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving.
According to court documents, Jason E. Thompson of Salem-based Thompson Law is representing Sumners. Thompson could not be immediately reached for comment.
BCSO reported that Sumners cooperated with investigators.
Two months after the crash, Newark, California, Mayor Michael Hannon paid tribute to Alexander at a June 12 City Council meeting, which was adjourned in the teen’s memory.
Hannon described Alexander as a Newark Middle School student whose “curiosity, kindness and sense of humor touched the hearts of his teachers and classmates alike.” He had a love for adventure and imagination, was an avid fan of the Ultraman series and Godzilla, and was fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean.
“Though his time with us was far too short, Alexander’s joyful spirit, boundless enthusiasm and warm heart left a lasting impact on all that knew him,” Hannon said.
Alexander is survived by his parents and three siblings.
The family filed a civil lawsuit in September seeking damages for wrongful death.
