Redmond semi-car crash leads to DUII arrest

A semi and car collided as both moved into the same lane in downtown Redmond Friday morning, causing no serious injuries but sending the big rig’s driver to jail on DUII-drugs and other charges.

The truck driver, Arizona resident Arturo Lopez, 26, “exhibited signs of impairment consisten t with recent marijuana use,” police Lt. Curtis Chambers said, and a small amount of marijuana was found in his possession.

Around 9:40 a.m., police responded to the report crash involving semi-truck and car at the intersection of Southwest Fifth Street and Deschutes Avenue, Chambers said.

The car’s driver complained of pain due to the crash, but there were no life-threatening injuries. Lopez and his passenger were unhurt, the lieutenant said.

The rear driver-side end of the semi’s trailer hit the car’s front-passenger side as the two vehicles moved into the same lane at the same time, Chambers said.

Lopez was arrested and taken to the Deschutes County Jail in Bend, where he was booked on charges of DUII-controlled substances, reckless driving and two counts of recklessly endangering another person, Chambers said. He was held on an initial $20,000 bail.

The semi’s passenger also was under the influence of marijuana and unable to operate the vehicle safely, Chambers said. As a result, the truck was impounded, following the police department’s policy. The car was towed from the scene due to the damage it sustained, he added.

Chambers said Redmond police want to remind drivers, “even professional drivers, not to drive after becoming impaired. He said Redmond officers are trained to look for signs of impairment beyond just alcohol, as many other substances — legal or illegal — can impair someone’s ability to drive.

Report suspected DUII drivers by calling 541-693-6911 in Deschutes County, or anywhere in Oregon by calling 800-24-DRUNK (800-243-7865).