Prineville man charged in DUII ATV crash

A Prineville man was arrested on DUII and other charges after the ATV he was driving crashed into a tree in the Maury Mountains Friday night, sending a Bend man to the hospital by helicopter, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies joined by medics from Crook County Fire and Rescue and the Rager Ranger District were dispatched to the crash, reported shortly after 10 p.m. Friday at Forest Service Road 16 and Kloochman Creek Road in the Maury Mountains, said Sgt. Dave Dethman.

The driver, identified as Tom Kristensen, 42, of Prineville, was accompanied by passenger Aaron Wuthrich, 52, of Bend, in a Can AM side-by-side ATV, Dethman said.

Wuthrich was flown by Life Flight helicopter to St. Charles Bend, where he was listed in fair condition Saturday afternoon, according to a nursing supervisor.

Kristensen refused medical transport and was taken to Pioneer Memorial Hospital by personal vehicle, Dethman said.

An investigation determined the crash was caused by speed and alcohol, he added.

After his release from the hospital, Kristensen was arrested on charges of DUII, reckless driving, reckless endangering and third-degree assault.

Dethman said OSP is assisting in the continuing investigation.