Driver who struck children's author John Dashney pleads not guilty

Article author: 
Timm Collins
Article publisher: 
Statesman Journal
Article date: 
Friday, June 29, 2012
Article category: 
Crime
Medium
Article Body: 

The driver who struck a visually impaired children's author and later told police that she had smoked marijuana before the crash pleaded not guilty on two charges in in Marion County Circuit Court on Friday.

On May 29, Rose Litherland, 58, was driving north on 17th Street NE when she hit John Dashney, 70, who was walking in a marked crosswalk at Chemeketa Street NE.

Litherland later told police that she had smoked marijuana an hour before the crash and still could feel the effects. Litherland has been charged with DUI and second-degree assault.

Oregon's DMV records show that Litherland does not have a current driver's license in the state.

In 2009, Litherland was convicted of delivery of methamphetamine and marijuana, both felonies, according to online court records.

Litherland will next appear in Marion County Circuit Court on July 17.

NOTE:  Rose is held without bail under an ICE hold according to the MCCF.