Coos Bay Man Arrested Following Drug-Involved Injury Traffic Crash

PHOTO: Oregon State Police

(Coos Bay, Oregon) - A Coos Bay man is facing multiple charges following a drugged driving-related crash Monday afternoon on the Highway 241 Isthmus Slough Bridge. Two people were injured in the crash.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper Josh Young, today at approximately 2:32 p.m. a 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by Michael Richard Ames, age 39, from Coos Bay, was reportedly being driven recklessly southbound across the Isthmus Slough Bridge when it traveled onto the southbound sidewalk.

The pickup struck the bridge railing, came back onto the highway and across the centerline into the northbound lane where it collided with a 2005 Honda Accord four-door.

Witnesses told Young that Ames discarded two syringes and a spoon over the bridge railing. A witness recovered the items and provided them to Young who subsequently determined they contained heroin.

Source: Oregon State Police

Subsequent investigation resulted in Ames' arrest. He was lodged on the following charges in the Coos County Jail:
* Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Heroin
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person (3 counts)
* Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

Ames is also being charged with Offensive Littering, Driving While Suspended, and Driving Uninsured.

The Honda's occupants were transported to Bay Area Hospital with minor injuries. They are identified as driver Adrian Deleon, age 37, and passenger Jose Botello, age 76, both from Coos Bay. A 4-year old boy passenger in a child safety seat was not injured. All were using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed.

OSP was assisted in the investigation by Coos Bay Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Millington Fire Department, and ODOT.