Motorcyclist improving, but cited in Powell Butte Hwy. crash
A Prineville man seriously injured when he crashed his motorcycle on the Powell Butte Highway east of Bend Saturday night was cited at the hospital on DUII and reckless driving charges, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.
Deputies and Bend Fire medics were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. to the reported crash on the Powell Butte Highway near milepost 14, near McGrath Road and the Bend Municipal Airport, said sheriff’s Sgt. Aaron Harding.
Deputies determined a 2012 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide operated by Aaron Smock, 41, had left the road after making an illegal pass, Harding said. It then struck a signpost and came to rest about 30 yards off the road.
Smock, who was alone on the motorcycle, was taken to St. Charles Bend, where a house supervisor said he was in serious condition late Saturday night but had improved to fair condition Sunday.
Smock was wearing a helmet, Harding said, adding that alcohol appeared to be a factor in the crash.
Harding said the crash restricted traffic on Powell Butte Highway for about an hour, though lanes in both directions stayed open during the investigation. Oregon State Police assisted in the crash investigation, he added.
