OSP responded to three crashes and 3 DUIIs in Baker County recently

By on Friday, February 21st, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY – Be it a stormy winter night, or a clear summer day, driving under the influence is never justified and never tolerated. Over the past week, the Oregon State Police made three different arrests for individuals caught driving under the influence in Baker County. In all instances, the drivers were caught after state police responded to reported traffic accidents.

The first crash and arrest occurred at around 10:50 p.m. on February 13 along I-84 Westbound near milepost 306. The driver in this case was identified as 33-year-old Alan Abraham of Alton Illinois. The full description of the arrest, as provided in a recent OSP press log, is as follows:

“On the above mentioned date and time, a Trooper observed a CMV in the ditch at the 306 WB off ramp (1-84). The Trooper contacted the driver and observed indicators of impairment. The driver consented to SFST’s where additional indicators of impairment were observed. The driver also returned with an extraditable warrant out of California (WNO/2465862). The driver was arrested and transported to the Baker County Jail where he wanted to speak with an attorney. A search warrant was granted, and a blood sample was seized. The driver was criminally cited and released for the listed crimes and lodged on the warrant. The vehicle was towed by Superior Towing, the co-driver took possession of the vehicle, and left.”

Abraham’s charges, as listed in the press log, are as follows:

  • DUII – Intoxicants and Controlled Substance
  • Reckless Driving
  • Reckless Endangering Person
  • Fail to Use Chains – Commercial Vehicle
  • Fail to Drive within Lane
  • Driver Fail to Report Collision Police Officer

The second crash and arrest occurred at around 6:56 p.m. on February 15 along Highway 30 eastbound near milepost 43. The driver was identified as 54-year-old Debra Mary Hays Bennett of Baker City. The full OSP description is as follows:

“On the above mentioned date and time, a Trooper was dispatched to a non-injury crash near milepost 43 on US-30. Once on scene, it was determined that a black eastbound SUV left the roadway crashing into the EB ditch causing reportable damage. The driver suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention. Indicators of impairment were observed when speaking with the driver. The driver refused to perform SFST’s and was arrested and transported to the Baker County Jail where she refused to provide a breath sample. A search warrant was granted and a blood sample was obtained. The driver was criminally cited and released with a court date and released to a sober party. The vehicle was towed by Five Star Towing.”

Bennett’s charges include:

  • DUII – Intoxicants and Controlled Substance
  • Reckless Driving
  • Fail to Drive within Lane
  • Refuse to Take a Breath Test

The final crash and arrest occurred at around 7:42 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, along Westbound I-84 near milepost 315.5. The driver was identified as 44-year-old James Love of Highlands Ranch Colorado. The full OSP description is as follows:

“On the above mentioned date and time, a Trooper responded to a motor vehicle crash near MP 315.5 on I-84 WB. Once on scene, it was determined that a WB pickup stopped in the roadway, backed up and crashed into a WB tractor trailer causing significant damage. Indicators of impairment were observed when speaking with the driver of the pickup. The driver of the pickup wanted to speak with a lawyer and was arrested for the listed crimes. A search warrant was granted and blood sample was obtained. The driver’s hospital BAC was 0.08%. The driver of the pickup was lodged at the Baker County Jail on the listed crimes. The tractor trailer was towed by Roadrunner Towing and the pickup was towed by Superior Towing.”

Love’s charges include:

  • DUII – Intoxicants and Controlled Substance
  • Reckless Driving
  • Reckless Endangering Person
  • No Operator’s License
  • Open Container of Alcohol

Thankfully no more than minor injuries were reported in the three cases. As is often reiterated by law enforcement, drinking and driving (or driving while under the influence of any substance) is never justified and is incredibly dangerous. The inconvenience of leaving a car behind and finding an alternative ride, or simply having someone else drive, is never worth the potentially catastrophic worst-case scenario of driving while impaired.