Tom Peterson Tom Peterson

DUII Suspect wrecks pickup and trailer, gets released to wife

Four Innocent bystanders escape injury in two-vehicle wreck west of Hood River. 31-year-old Canby man cited on DUI and released to wife. Both vehicles were towed from westbound lane near Starvation Creek State Park.


By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., May 31, 2024 — No one was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84 on Thursday, May 30; however, one driver was issued misdemeanors for driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving and released to his wife.

31-year-old Donald William Durland of Canby provided breath samples of 0.18 blood alcohol content, according to the report - that is more than twice the legal limit.

A Hood River Sheriff’s Deputy and an Oregon State Police trooper responded to reports of the crash partially blocking the interstate just west of Starvation Creek State Park at 6:15 p.m.

“A black Ram pickup pulling a trailer had struck a silver Ford Escape at freeway speeds, causing the vehicle to spin within its lane and strike the guardrail,” the report said. “Upon contact with the driver of the black Ram, Troopers observed multiple signs of impairment. The driver admitted to consuming alcohol and initially refused to perform field sobriety tests. Durland was read the Rohrs admonishment and agreed to provide physical cooperation. He performed poorly on field sobriety tests with 6/6 clues on Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, at least 4/8 clues on the Walk and Turn, and would not attempt the One Leg Stand because he knew he was too intoxicated.”

Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash. There were four people in the Ford Escape. Both vehicles involved in the crash - the Ram Pickup and the Ford Escape had to be towed because of damage, according to the report.

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Tom Peterson Tom Peterson

Pasco Man killed when motorcyle drives off Hwy. 19 in Gilliam County near Olex

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by James Nicholas Braithwaite, 58, of Pasco left the roadway for unknown reasons and went down a steep embankment. 

Map of approximate location where crash occurred.

From Oregon State Police:

Gilliam County, Ore., May 28, 2024 — Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-19, near milepost 17, in Gilliam County on Friday, May 24 at 3:36 p.m.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by James Nicholas Braithwaite, 58, of Pasco left the roadway for unknown reasons and went down a steep embankment. 

The Braithwaite was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately an hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Gilliam County Sheriff's Office, North Gilliam County Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

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