“IT WAS VERY SCARY”: Local resident reacts to Highway 97 incident; at least 2 cars have been damaged

(UPDATE: Adding quotes from Karrie Newman, a Central Oregon resident)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two vehicles, including an Oregon State Police patrol car, were struck by rocks or concrete thrown from a bridge onto Highway 97 south of Bend early Sunday morning. The incidents occurred near the railroad bridge just before the Baker Road exit.

While no injuries were reported, the objects caused significant damage to the vehicles and left debris in the roadway. Oregon State Police (OSP) dispatch logs indicated multiple calls reporting similar incidents in the area during the same timeframe.

Highway 97 is known for a high frequency of fatal crashes and residents expressed concern that these intentional acts have made the route even more dangerous.

Karrie Newman, a Central Oregon resident, was driving on Highway 97 under the railroad bridge when her vehicle was struck twice. The first object dented the hood of her car and the second cracked the windshield.

Newman said the experience was "very scary" and noted that she could have crashed had she lost consciousness from the impact. Newman emphasized that the actions should not be dismissed as simple mischief.

"These aren't kids just being kids," Newman said. "These are kids being dangerous and violent. These are kids that could potentially destroy their lives if they kill somebody."

The damage to Newman's vehicle is estimated at nearly $4,000. She faces a $1,000 insurance deductible to cover the repairs. "I have almost $4,000 in damage to my vehicle, and, my insurance is going to want to be reimbursed for that," Newman said. "And I have to pay $1,000 deductible. So this isn't a victimless crime."

An Oregon State Police patrol vehicle was also hit by a piece of concrete during the same period. The impact shattered the windshield of the patrol car, but the trooper involved did not sustain any injuries. An OSP representative confirmed the details of the strike in a statement to KTVZ News.

"An OSP patrol vehicle was struck by a piece of concrete that shattered the windshield. The trooper was not injured," the representative said. "He reported there were additional pieces of concrete in the roadway."

Other community members have reported similar behavior in different parts of the region. These incidents include individuals throwing rocks from hills near the Old Mill District and dropping water balloons from the Empire Avenue overpass.

The Bend Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the incidents to contact them. KTVZ News has contacted the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office for further information and is awaiting a response.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The windshields of at least two vehicles - one an Oregon State Police patrol car - were damaged early Sunday morning after rocks or concrete were apparently thrown from a railroad overpass onto Highway 97 near the Baker Road exit south of Bend.

OSP confirmed to KTVZ News late Wednesday that one of their patrol vehicles was hit around 12:47 a.m. Sunday.

In the statement to KTVZ News, a representative said, “An OSP patrol vehicle was struck by a piece of concrete that shattered the windshield. The trooper was not injured.”

"When he got out to check, there were concrete chunks in the roadway," OSP told us. "There was no suspect information."

OSP also told us their dispatch notes indicate "there were additional calls of similar incidents" in the area.

The damage comes as other drivers have reported their vehicles being hit by rocks, or even water balloons, thrown from highway and railroad overpasses, including one at Empire Avenue.

If you’ve experienced a similar incident recently, please contact us at news@ktvz.com with details and any photos or video.