Baker City man arrested for DUII after backwards collision on Highway 86
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 13th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER COUNTY – Missing an exit when driving can be frustrating. However, throwing a vehicle into reverse on a busy highway is generally not considered a safe or legal way of dealing with that frustration. One Baker City driver found that out the hard way on Tuesday morning, according to Oregon State Police.
OSP Initially responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 86 between milepost 4 and 5 just before 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10. A Chevy Express Van had reportedly struck a ford explorer while attempting to reverse to the Sunny Slope Road turnoff, just East of Baker City. The full summary of events, as provided by OSP in a recent press log, is as follows:
“OSP recieved a report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 86 between mile post 4 and 5. A Trooper responded and determined a white 2016 Chevy Express Van was traveling on Highway 86 in reverse as the driver missed their turn onto Sunny Slope Road. The van struck a white 2027 Ford Explorer. Damage was done to both vehicles.
The Trooper contacted the driver of the Chevy van and observed signs of impairment. The driver was taken into custody and lodged at the Baker County Jail. The driver consented to a breath test which resulted in a 0.00% BAC. A DRE evaluation was conducted. OSP requested a non-preference 780 tow for the vehicle.”
The driver was identified as 58-year-old James Patrick Clemens II of Baker City. He was charged with Reckless Driving and DUII – Intoxicants.
