Redmond, Ore. – A 64 year old Terrebonne man was arrested on DUII charges after crashing his SUV on Highway 97 Monday afternoon.
Here’s the latest from Redmond Police: About 2:37 pm Monday, the Redmond Police Department began receiving numerous calls about a single vehicle rollover crash on southbound Hwy 97 at exit 119. It was reported a vehicle struck a guard rail “head-on” and then rolled several times.
RPD Officers arrived to find the driver already out of his vehicle, after receiving help from a passerby. No one remaining on scene reported witnessing the crash. The driver had visible minor injury, but denied medical treatment at the scene. The driver was identified as Stuart Smith, 64 years of age, of Terrebonne.
Preliminary results of the investigation appear to show Smith was driving south on Hwy 97 and failed to negotiate the sweeping left hand curve. The vehicle drove onto the right shoulder and then onto the soft (dirt) shoulder for approximately 400 feet prior to striking the guardrail. The guardrail is owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation. The vehicle was towed from the scene. ODOT Incident Response assisted at the scene.
Investigation into the crash led to the arrest of Smith for DUII, Reckless Driving and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree. Once the driver was in police custody, he was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He was eventually cited for the crimes and released to the care of the hospital. RPD is seeking any witnesses to the actual crash. If you saw the crash occur, please call us at 541-693-6911.
DUII related fatalities, injuries and property damage are 100% preventable. A person choosing to drive after becoming impaired by an intoxicant is putting all the other drivers, pedestrians, mothers, fathers and all of our children at risk. If choosing to consume a substance which will impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, please do not drive. While DUII drivers never “intend” to kill, injure or destroy property, the consequences are very much “intentional.” DUII drivers face driver license suspension(s), court fees, attorney fees, impound fees, Division fees (if they qualify), treatment fees, ignition interlock device fees and jail time just for a misdemeanor level DUII. Higher costs and potential prison time are possible for DUII, because in Oregon, DUII is a felony upon a person’s third conviction.
