Warm Springs Police say Hwy. 26 drunk driver had .77 blood alcohol level

(Update: More information from Warm Springs police)

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A driver and hit-and-run suspect crashed on Highway 26 Friday afternoon and was found to have a blood alcohol level of .77%, more than nine times the legal limit, police said.

Madras police reported a hit-and-run crash around 1 p.m. near the Plateau Travel Plaza in Madras, Warm Springs police said in a Facebook posting.

The vehicle, a Ford Explorer, was reported to be traveling toward Warm Springs. Officers found the vehicle near Pelton Dam Road, and pulled over the driver, observing signs of impairment and several alcohol beverage containers in the vehicle, Lt. Ron Gregory said in a news release Monday.

When asked to get out of the SUV, the driver refused and took off, leading police on a short pursuit.

After about a half-mile, the 28-year-old driver tried to pass another vehicle and was forced back into his own lane by an oncoming car, Gregory said. The driver lost control of the SUV and crashed into a concrete barrier beside the road.

Along with the extremely high alcohol level, the driver had a suspended license for a misdemeanor-level DUII, police said.

The driver was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. Officers said criminal charges are pending.

Warm Springs police also thanked ODOT, Oregon State Police, Madras police and Jefferson County sheriff's deputies for their assistance.