OSP IDs driver seriously hurt in fiery Hwy. 20E crash
(Update: OSP identifies driver, says blood, urine samples taken)
Oregon State Police on Monday identified a 27-year-old Bend man who was seriously injured Saturday evening when his speeding SUV slammed into the rear of a pickup truck and caught fire on U.S. Highway20E east of Bend.
Troopers said Henroy Douce was driving eastbound at the wheel of a black Infiniti QX 56 SUV when it hit a bronze Dodge Ram pickup that also was heading east at milepost 3.5 around 6 p.m.
The SUV caught fire and Douce, alone in the SUV, was cut out of the wreckage by Bend Fire medics, who also received lifesaving efforts by the medics and by Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies who previously arrived on scene.
OSP said Douce was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend, “where he is being treated due to serious injuries.” A house supervisor said they did not have his name in the public patient directory.
The driver and three passengers in the pickup, including two juveniles, appeared unhurt and claimed no injuries, leaving the scene by private vehicle, OSP reported.
OSP Lt. Cari Boyd said Saturday that “both alcohol and speed are factors with this crash.”
Troopers said Monday a search warrant was obtained and served to collect blood and urine samples from Douce as the investigation continues.
The crash and investigation prompted closure of Highway 20 in both directions between 27th Street and Ward Road, about a mile west of the intersection with Powell Butte Highway. A detour was put in place and the road reopened after midnight.
