Driver injured, cited in O’Neil Hwy. crash

A Madras woman driving to Prineville on the O’Neil Highway Saturday morning fell asleep at the wheel of her SUV, which crossed the oncoming lane and rolled into an irrigation ditch, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said Monday.

Arcenia Reynoso Villagomez escaped serious injuries, taken by ambulance to Pioneer Memorial Hospital, where she was treated and released. But deputies cited her for careless driving and driving with a suspended license.

Deputy Mitch Madden said deputies were dispatched around 7:10 a.m. Saturday to the reported crash near milepost 15 on the highway. A subsequent investigation found the woman had fallen asleep at the wheel.

The highway was temporarily closed to remove the SUV from the ditch, Madden said, adding that no hazardous materials leaked into the ditch.

Assistance was provided by Crook County Fire and Rescue, Oregon State Police and STAR Towing, Madden said.