Death Investigation in La Grande
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
On August 16, 2023 at approximately 8:50PM, the 911 dispatch center received multiple 911 reports of a man jumping out of a moving vehicle at the Best Western parking lot in La Grande and the man was now unconscious.
La Grande Fire Department medics, La Grande Police Department officers and deputies from the Union County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded, arriving moments later. Medics attempted emergency medical care, but the victim, Bud Moseley (35) of Albany, Oregon was pronounced deceased at the scene and had suffered a head injury.
Officers and LGPD detectives immediately began an investigation. Multiple witness interviews were conducted and security video footage of the incident was obtained and reviewed. Investigators learned a pickup truck driven by David Polayes (35) of Albany, Oregon entered the Best Western parking lot. As the truck entered the parking lot, Moseley, who was sitting in the passenger seat, jumped out of the moving vehicle and the pickup tire ran over him.
Witnesses in the area immediately came to Moseley’s aid and Polayes remained on scene until emergency crews arrived. Polayes and Moseley were part of a construction crew who were staying at the Best Western. Polayes and the witnesses involved were all cooperative with the police investigation. This investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be pending. If anyone has any information to assist with this investigation, please contact Sgt. Ryan Miller at the La Grande Police Department at 541.963.1017.
