OSP: Wrong-way driver causes crash on Hwy. 97 north of Bend

(Update: OSP says wrong-way driver apparently tried to cause crash)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A wrong-way driver apparently purposely caused a head-on crash that closed U.S. Highway 97 near Deschutes Junction, about five miles north of Bend, on Wednesday afternoon, Oregon State Police said.

The crash was reported shortly before 3 p.m. in the area of milepost 130. ODOT's TripCheck urged motorists to use an alternate route. One lane was open in each direction before 4 p.m. and all four lanes a short time later.

OSP Captain Tim Fox said a white northbound Pontiac Grand Am crashed nearly head-on into a southbound gray Mercedes south of Deschutes Junction. Both drivers were taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend with non-life-threatening injuries.

Fox said investigators determined one driver purposely tried to cause the crash. He was under a police officer's hold at the hospital as the investigation continues.