Polk County Deputy Survives Multiple Rollover Crash

Deputy Williams had a little luck of the Irish with him today.

Photo: Polk County Sheriff

(DALLAS, Ore. ) - A Polk county deputy sheriff was injured at 8:20 AM after his patrol vehicle rolled several times into a field after he took evasive action to avoid another vehicle on Hwy 99W near Orrs Corner Road, 2 miles south of Rickreall in Polk County.

Deputy John Williams, 42 years, was responding to a report of a reckless driver several miles ahead of him.

The deputy was dispatched to a report of a silver jeep Cherokee that reportedly was crossing the center line numerous times and had nearly hit a car head-on.

The deputy was traveling northbound on Hwy 99 with emergency lights and siren in use.

As vehicles were pulling to the right shoulder, yielding to the patrol vehicle, suddenly a vehicle hit its brakes, pulling to the left into the path of the patrol vehicle.

Deputy Williams swerved to avoid striking the vehicle and lost control of his patrol vehicle.

The patrol vehicle crossed the highway going into a field and rolled several times.

Deputy Williams was transported by Dallas Ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital with injuries and later released.

Oregon State Police responded to the scene and conducted the crash investigation; the highway was slowed for several hours but the highway as not closed.

ODOT was also on scene for traffic control during the investigation.

Deputy John Williams has been with Polk County Sheriff's Office for several years, beginning as a reserve deputy in 2000.

Deputy Williams was hired full time in 2006 and recently graduated from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

"The patrol vehicle is a total loss, but at least my deputy is alright, and nobody else was involved," stated Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolfe.

"We appreciate the prompt response of the Oregon State Police and ODOT to took control of the crash scene."