Three teens injured in DUII crash near Redmond; driver charged

Three teens were taken to hospitals early Saturday, including a Redmond 18-year-old arrested for DUII and reckless driving in a rollover crash south of Redmond, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

One or two other passengers may have fled the scene before deputies arrived, they added as they sought the public’s help in finding them to make sure they receive any needed medical treatment.

Deputies were dispatched shortly before 3 a.m. to the reported crash on Southwest Canal Boulevard, about a quarter-mile north of Helmholtz Way, said Sgt. Kevin Dizney. Dispatchers reported it was a single-vehicle rollover with several injured passengers, some possibly trapped in the wreckage.

Deputies arrived to find a white 1995 Honda Accord on its top in the middle of Canal Boulevard, appearing to have rolled several times, Dizney said.

The deputies helped Redmond Fire Department medics treat the three people injured in the crash. Dizney said they had “potentially life-threatening” injuries, and all were taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend or Redmond.

That included the driver, John Sacco, 18, of Redmond, who a St. Charles Bend house supervisor said was in good condition Saturday morning. A day later, the hospital said he had been released.

Deputies did not identify the other two passengers, only saying they were 16 and 17 years old.

An initial investigation determined the Honda was heading north on Canal Boulevard when Sacco drove onto the dirt shoulder, over-corrected and it rolled several times, coming to rest on its top.

“Deputies identified that the driver was intoxicated with alcohol,” Dizney said. “Marijuana use is suspected, as well as driver distraction while operating a cellphone at the time of the crash.”

Sacco was arrested at the scene on charges of DUII, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another and third-degree assault. He was then released at the hospital for further treatment. Dizney said more charges may be forthcoming related to his passengers’ injuries after the case is reviewed by the district attorney’s office.

“At the time of this release, it is believed there may have been up to two additional passengers who fled the scene for unknown reasons prior to law enforcement arrival,” Dizney said in a news release, adding that investigators are trying to find and check on their welfare.

“Anyone with information on the welfare or location of these subjects is encouraged to contact law enforcement,” the sergeant said. “It is the intent of the sheriff’s office to ensure all injured parties are provided medical treatment. Anyone with information may remain anonymous.”

The crash and investigation closed Canal Boulevard between Helmholtz Way and Elkhorn Avenue for about 2 hours.

The sheriff’s office was helped at the scene by the Redmond fire and police departments, Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Road Department.