La Pine man arrested in Huntington Road DUII crash

A La Pine man escaped injury early Monday when his car left Huntington Road, hit a tree and was consumed by fire. But he was jailed on DUII and reckless driving charges, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies were dispatched shortly before 6 a.m. after several callers reported a vehicle fire in the area of Huntington Road near South Century Drive, said Sgt. Jayson Janes.

Deputies determined Mathew Wirth, 37, was heading south on the road and failed to negotiate a curve. His Honda Civic left the road, went through a fence and hit a tree before coming to rest and catching on fire, Janes said.

Evidence obtained during the investigation led deputies to believe Wirth was driving under the influence of intoxicants, the sergeant said.

Wirth was arrested at the crash scene on DUII and reckless driving charges and taken to the Deschutes County Jail in Bend. A jail officer said he was later released to a responsible party.

Wirth’s car was destroyed by the fire and towed from the scene, Janes said. The sheriff’s office was assisted by Sunriver police and the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District.