La Pine teen unhurt in SUV crash into power pole
A La Pine 18-year-old escaped injury Friday night when his SUV left icy State Recreation Road, struck a power pole head-on and overturned, authorities said.
Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies responded around 7 p.m. to the reported non-injury crash on State Recreation Road near Huntington Road, said Sgt. Kevin Diizney.
It was reported a blue Dodge Durango driven by Jaden Filener, 18, had crashed head-on into a power pole before rolling, Dizney said.
As deputies arrived, both lanes of the road were blocked just west of Huntington Road as the power pole was sheared off at the base and the pole and power lines were leaning over the roadway.
For safety reasons, both lanes were closed until Midstate Electric Co-Op could remove the post and secure the power lines for later repair. The road was closed for approximately an hour, Dizney said, adding that power was not disrupted during this incident.
An investigation determined the Durango was heading west before sliding on the icy roadway. The SUV left the north side of the roadway and hit the power pole, causing it to roll.
Air bags deployed in the pickup, Dizney said, and it was determined Filener was not injured.
Dizney said speed, drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors contributing to this crash, Dizney said. The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the Oregon State Police. This investigation is ongoing at this time, he said.
