Aurora, Oregon man facing DUII, hit-and-run charges after 100-mph crash on I-84

By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

PENDLETON – An Aurora, Oregon, man was arrested Friday evening after causing a crash on Interstate 84 west of Pendleton.

According to an Oregon State Police report an eastbound Kia Forte was traveling near the Yoakum Road exit at approximately 100 mph, according to witness statements, when it struck the back of a Toyota Prius. Both drivers lost control, with the Prius ending up on the shoulder and the Kia in the median.

The Kia returned to the highway heading westbound. The driver of the Prius was not injured.

A short time later and a few miles to the west, an OSP trooper observed the Kia driving recklessly at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The trooper pulled the vehicle over and observed signs of impairment, as well as a deployed driver-side airbag.

A passing motorist stopped and identified the Kia—driven by William Conroy, 36—as the vehicle involved in the earlier crash. Following the report, the trooper arrested Conroy on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and failure to perform duties of a driver involved in a crash, along with a felony charge of driving while suspended.

Conroy was arraigned Monday, and his bail was set at $50,000. As of Tuesday evening, he was no longer listed in the Umatilla County Jail roster.

According to court records, Conroy has open case in Tillamook County from March 2026 on charges of felony criminal driving while suspended and misdemeanor reckless driving.