Lane County, OR – Lane County sheriff’s deputies arrested six motorists for driving under the influence (DUI) following a series of crashes and traffic stops during the recent holiday season.
The first arrest occurred on Christmas Day at approximately 12:30 a.m. when deputies responded to a crash in Lowell. The driver, 54-year-old Jesse Owen Clark, fled the scene before authorities arrived. After a search with the assistance of a K9 unit, Clark was located nearby and reportedly showed signs of impairment. He was arrested on charges of DUI, hit and run with property damage, and reckless driving.
A few days later, on December 29 at 1 a.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on Beacon Drive. Fire personnel had helped 21-year-old Lyanna Corrin Lee out of her vehicle, which was submerged in water. Deputies were informed by the fire crew that Lee appeared impaired, leading to her arrest for DUI.
On New Year’s Day, just after midnight, Lane County Sheriff Clifton Harrold observed a driver turn into oncoming traffic in the area of Ware Lane and Hunsaker Lane. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Erin Rose Lambert of Eugene, was stopped and arrested for DUI after showing clear signs of impairment.
Shortly thereafter, at 12:20 a.m., deputies pulled over 30-year-old Austin Ray Vanbaale, also from Eugene, after he was seen driving erratically on Highway 126. Vanbaale, who was allegedly speeding and failing to maintain his lane, was arrested for DUI.
Later that morning, authorities received a report from the Eugene Police Department about 29-year-old Briseida Escalera Reyes, who was reportedly driving while intoxicated and looking for Vanbaale. Deputies located Reyes at her home, where she appeared impaired, and arrested her for DUI.
The final DUI arrest occurred on January 1 at around 4 p.m., when deputies responded to a crash on Howard Lane, north of Junction City. The crash had caused a power pole to be knocked down, cutting power to nearby homes. Deputies found 23-year-old Rogelio Mateo Vazquez at a local hospital, where he appeared impaired. Vazquez was arrested for DUI and driving with a suspended license.
Lane County sheriff’s deputies are urging the public to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They also reminded party hosts to arrange for sober drivers and to ensure that all guests who have been drinking or using drugs do not get behind the wheel. In addition, authorities emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts at all times.
