Hermiston, Ore – Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested a 20-year old Umatilla man Sunday night following a three-vehicle minor injury crash on Highway 395 north of Hermiston.
On October 26, 2014 at approximately 8:15 p.m., a Mazda RX8 driven by LORENSO ESPAIN RAFAEL, age 20, from Umatilla, was southbound on Highway 395 near Baggett Lane at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the back of a southbound Honda Accord driven by MARIA CRISPIN MATEO, age 68, from Irrigon. The impact forced the Honda across the northbound lanes, off the highway and through a chain link fence. The Mazda spun across the northbound lanes and also collided into the passenger side of a northbound Dodge Durango driven by ZACHARY WILSON, age 31, from Umatilla.
Subsequent investigation led OSP to arrest ESPAIN RAFAEL on the following charges:
* DUII – Alcohol
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person (9 counts)
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
He was also cited for No Operators License and Driving Uninsured. His vehicle was also occupied by and adult female and three children. One of the passengers was transported to Good Shepherd Community Hospital in Hermiston with minor injury.
In addition to the driver, the Honda had another adult female and two child passengers.
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