Citizen tip leads to DUII, drug arrest east of Bend

A citizen’s driving complaint Monday night helped Oregon State Police find an SUV near the Bend Airport and arrest a Washington state man on a DUII charge, as well as for possessing nearly a pound of marijuana, troopers said.

Just before 7:30 p.m., an OSP trooper stopped a 1992 Nissan Pathfinder displaying Washington license plates near SE Powell Butte Highway and Nelson Road that was the subject of a citizen’s driving complaint.

The driver was identified as Larry A. North, 48, of Eastsound, Washington.

An investigation led the trooper to arrest North for DUII. The trooper also found about 15 ounces of marijuana in the SUV, they said

North was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on a DUII charge and cited to appear in court on charges of drug possession and refusing a breath test.

This year’s official Christmas holiday reporting period is 30 hours, starting 6:00 p.m., December 24 , through 11:59 p.m., December 25 . Last year in Oregon during the 102-hour Christmas holiday reporting period, three people died in three separate traffic crashes on Oregon roads. OSP troopers also reported 53 DUII arrests.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 32,000 people were killed in car crashes across the nation in 2011, and 31 percent of those fatalities occurred in drunk-driving-related crashes. Last year in Oregon, 37 percent of crashes in which someone died involved an impaired driver.

OSP, OSSA, OACP and ODOT offer these simple but important safety tips:

* Have designated drivers. Plan to have sober drivers at your party who can help get folks home safely. Volunteer to be a sober driver at someone else’s party.

* Plan to stay overnight. Make pre-arrangements to stay overnight at your friend’s home or in a hotel room where you won’t have to drive if you have been drinking.

* Monitor car keys. Collect your guests’ car keys at the beginning of your event. Then, talk with your guests before they leave about the best transportation options for them.

* Be ready with a cab fare fund. Having available cash to pay cab fare for your guests if they need it reduces the stress on you. If you can’t afford to pay for it yourself, ask your guests to pitch in a few bucks on your invitation. And keep phone numbers handy.

* Be responsible. If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and help your guests be responsible. Don’t let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.

* Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out.

* Buckle up, every trip, every time.

* Drive defensively at all times.

OSP and ODOT also urge travelers to “Know Before You Go,” monitoring media reports for weather forecasts and keeping up-to-date on road conditions at www.TripCheck.com .

In addition to road and weather conditions, winter driving safety information and tips are also there, to help keep you informed and safe on our roads during holiday and winter season travels.

OSP appreciates the public’s help in reporting possible intoxicated and other dangerous drivers on our roads. Show zero tolerance for impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1 or OSP at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865 ).