Two arrested after high-speed crash and attempted coverup in La Grande
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — Two people face charges after a crash and an attempted coverup in La Grande.
La Grande Police say just before 1:00 am on Tuesday, November 7th, a red four door sedan jumped a curb and crashed into a telephone pole near the Blue Mountain Coin-Op Laundry on 20th and Adams. Multiple witnesses reported the vehicle was also traveling in town at speeds of 100MPH and driving recklessly prior to the collision.
Witnesses say immediately after the crash a man jumped out of the driver’s seat and switched spots with a woman, who then drove away before police arrived.
Officers were able to locate the car a short time later at a house near 18th street. Upon contacting the car’s registered owner, Stormy Stephens of La Grande, she told police she was the only one driving the vehicle, the sole occupant during the crash, and refused to give officers any other information.
Stormy was subsequently arrested for Criminal Conspiracy and Interfering with a Peace Officer.
Further investigation led officers to identify the male driver as Anthony Espinoza of Caldwell, Idaho. He was arrested on charges of Reckless Driving, Hit and Run, Criminal Conspiracy, and Criminal Mischief.
