OSP arrests Portland man in Hwy. 97 injury crash

A Portland man was arrested Thursday night after a crash on U.S. Highway 97 at the Oregon Highway 138 junction in Klamath County, accused of passing a semi truck in a no-passing zone, Oregon State Police said.

Around 7:25 p.m., a 2014 Hyundai Elantra driven by Nicholas J. Raptis, 39, from southwest Portland, was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 213 when he passed a northbound commercial truck in a posted no passing zone.

While finishing the passing maneuver, the Hyundai swerved in front of the truck, causing the truck’s left front corner to collide with the car’s right passenger side, OSP reported.

The truck’s driver, Tad Young, 32, of Silverton, lost control, and the truck and semi-trailer overturned onto their side, coming to rest blocking the northbound lane.

Young and passenger Christopher Rich, 33, of Dallas, were taken by Chemult EMS ambulance to St. Charles Bend with minor injuries.

The truck & semi-trailer, loaded with a cargo of assorted paper and plastic goods, were extensively damaged. The Hyundai also received major damage.

Raptis was unhurt, and after an investigation was arrested by OSP and lodged in the Klamath County Jail on charges of reckless driving and fourth-degree assault.

OSP troopers from the La Pine office are investigating the crash. OSP was assisted at the scene by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, and ODOT. Senior Trooper Joe Smith is the lead investigator.

The northbound lane was closed about five hours.