‘Very lucky’ Bend crash survivor charged with DUII

A 28-year-old Bend man was “very lucky” to escape serious injury in a violent rollover crash that left him trapped in the crushed cab of his pickup truck Tuesday night, a deputy said – but not so lucky as to escape DUII and other charges.

The crash was reported around 7 p.m. on Knott Road near Heidi Lane, with Christopher Purslow alone at the wheel of a blue 1989 Mazda pickup, said Sgt. Ronny Dozier.

Arriving deputies found Purslow trapped in the pickup, which landed on its roof beside a tree, crushing the cab. He was able to tell deputies he was okay, Dozier said.

Bend Fire medics used extrication tools to pry the door open, and Purslow was able to get out on his own, the sergeant said. Purslow was taken to St. Charles-Bend for treatment of minor injuries.

An investigation found that Purslow was heading west on Knott Road but lost control trying to negotiate the sweeping curve in the road, Dozier said.

The truck slid sideways and rolled down the embankment onto its top on the south side of Knott Road, the sergeant said, adding that Purslow was wearing his seat belt.

Alcohol was a factor in the crash, Dozier said, and Purslow was cited and released at the hospital on charges of DUII, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.