Reckless Driving leads to rollover, kids put at extreme risk on I-84
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore. Feb. 18, 2025 — Oregon State Police responded to two separate incidents on Interstate 84 in the past two days, both involving reckless driving that resulted in crashes and arrests.
Rollover Near Gilliam County Injures Two; Driver Cited
A high-speed crash westbound on I-84 near milepost 116 east of Rufus sent two people to the hospital on Sunday, Feb. 16 at about 4 p.m., after a Toyota Corolla rear-ended a Mazda CX-5, causing the Mazda to roll multiple times.
According to OSP, the driver of the Toyota, identified as Griffin Zane Nielsen, 19, of Astoria, was cited for reckless driving, reckless endangerment, and fourth-degree assault. Witnesses reported that the Toyota was speeding before colliding with the Mazda, which was carrying Miranda Paige Winterton, 28, of Bend. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash left both vehicles heavily damaged and off the roadway. J&S Towing removed the wreckage from the scene.
Nielsen was cited and released after the crash, with charges now pending.
Driver with two children allegedly blows 0.28
Just 24 hours later, OSP arrested a Pendleton woman for driving under the influence with her two children in the car after receiving multiple reports of reckless driving on eastbound I-84.
Jacquelyn Garton, 44, of Pendleton, was arrested near milepost 67 after a retired OSP trooper reported a vehicle driving eastbound and swerving dangerously and nearly causing multiple crashes. When troopers pulled the car over, Garton put her car in reverse and nearly struck the patrol vehicle.
OSP said Garton stumbled while exiting the car and had a blood alcohol content of 0.28%, more than three times the legal limit. Her two children, ages 10 and 12, were in the car at the time.
Garton was arrested and lodged at NORCOR on charges of DUII and reckless endangering. The children were safely transported to their father’s home in Pendleton.
Authorities Warn Against Reckless Driving
OSP officials urged drivers to be mindful of speed and impairment, noting that reckless driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes on Oregon highways.
These incidents highlight the dangers of excessive speed and impaired driving and authorities encourage all drivers to stay alert and drive responsibly.
Both cases remain under investigation.
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