Bend Police arrested three drivers for DUII and other charges after they were involved in crashes, some with minor injuries, within four hours of each other on Sunday. The first was reported at 6:12 pm at SE Fargo Lane and SE Reed Market Road around 6:12 pm. The crash involved three vehicles, one driver with a minor injury. A black Ford Focus was traveling westbound on Reed Market Rd. While the Focus was traveling westbound, an eastbound Ford Excursion driven by Edith Jorge-Sanchez, 30, of Bend, attempted to make a left turn to travel north on Fargo Ln. she did not yield the right of way to the Focus and crashed into the side of the Focus. The Focus was pushed off the road and into a sign and sidewalk. The crash totaled the Focus and caused damage to City property. The driver of the Focus sustained a minor injury and was evaluated by Bend Fire & Rescue medics.
The force of the collision pushed the Excursion into a Ford Edge that was stopped at a stop sign on Fargo Lane, facing southbound. The Edge was damaged but the driver and the passenger were not injured. Jorge-Sanchez was arrested for DUII-alcohol, Reckless Endangering and Reckless Driving.
Bend Police were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash at NE Neff Road and NE Providence Road around 7:40 pm. The crash involved two vehicles a Jeep Cherokee and a Cadillac passenger car. The driver of the Jeep, Robert Small, was traveling eastbound on NE Neff Road and attempting to turn north on Providence Road when he struck a Cadillac that was driving westbound on NE Neff Road. Bend Fire & Rescue evaluated both drivers on scene for minor injuries. Robert Small, 28, Bend, was arrested for DUII-alcohol, and Reckless Endangering.
Bend Police were dispatched to a hit and run with property damage around 10:25 pm at the 700 block of SW Industrial Way. The caller stated a Chevy Silverado struck a light pole in the area and the driver was walking away from the scene. Officers quickly arrived on scene and were able to detain the driver, Christian Cullen. He was not injured from the crash. Christian Cullen, 25, Bend, was subsequently arrested for DUII-alcohol, Hit and Run-property damage, Criminal Mischief I, and Reckless Driving.
In 2019, patrol officers arrested almost 550 DUII drivers. Although the number of arrests dropped to 302 in 2020 for a variety of reasons, it is evident that arrests are increasing this year. While the DUII enforcement team has made a significant impact since reassignment, patrol officers are responsible for nearly 60% of the 306 arrests through August 31st this year, according to Bend Police.
Individuals who drink alcohol are encouraged to use ride share opportunities, or have a sober driver. Bend Police also encourage community members to report if they suspect a DUII driver, by calling the non-emergency line at 541-693-6911, or 911 for an emergency.
