Pendleton police chief issues more details regarding Friday’s motorcycle crash

By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – (News release from Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram) Friday, February 27, 2026, at about 3:35 p.m., Pendleton Police Department Officers responded to the 4700 block of NW Pioneer Place in response to a motor vehicle crash; vehicle vs motorcycle.

Pendleton Fire Department Paramedics were also dispatched due to the motorcyclist suffering serious injuries as a result of the crash. The 38-year-old male (Johnathan Ayers) motorcyclist was eventually transported to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Or, via Life Flight, for further treatment.

Through investigation officers learned a 2017 Kia Sorento, operated by a 26-year-old female (Skyler Stokoe) of Hermiston, Or, had been traveling in the eastbound lane of the 4700 block of NW Pioneer Place when the Kia Sorento drifted into the westbound lane and stuck the oncoming motorcycle. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were towed from the scene.

The driver of the Kia Sorento was not injured and is an employee of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. The Pendleton Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Oregon State Police. The investigation remains ongoing and once complete will be forwarded to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office for review of charges.

File photo of Police Chief Chuck Byram