Astoria, OR — The Lane County Sheriff’s Office remained busy over the holiday period, handling a series of crashes and making several DUII arrests. The incidents took place across multiple locations, highlighting the department’s swift response to impaired driving.
On the early morning of December 25, 2024, deputies responded to a crash on North Moss Street in Lowell. Upon arrival, they learned that one of the drivers, Jesse Owen Clark, 54, had fled the scene. Authorities were able to locate Clark nearby with the assistance of a patrol K9. Signs of impairment were evident, and after further investigation, Clark was arrested for DUI, Hit & Run – Property Damage, and Reckless Driving.
A few days later, on December 29, 2024, at approximately 1 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a crash on Beacon Drive. The incident involved a vehicle that had ended up in the water. Fire personnel had already rescued the driver, Iyanna Corrin Lee, 21, from the submerged vehicle. Deputies, upon contacting Lee, observed signs of impairment. After conducting an investigation, Lee was arrested for DUI.
The new year brought more incidents on January 1, 2025. Just after midnight, Sheriff Cliff Harrold witnessed a vehicle turning into oncoming traffic near the intersection of Ware Lane and Hunsaker Lane. Suspecting impairment, Harrold initiated a traffic stop. After speaking with the driver, Erin Rose Lambert, 37, of Eugene, the sheriff noted signs of intoxication. Lambert was arrested for DUI following further investigation.
Later that same morning, around 12:20 a.m., a deputy observed a vehicle driving erratically on Highway 126 near Central Road. The driver, Austin Ray Vanbaale, 30, of Eugene, was seen failing to maintain consistent speeds and swerving between lanes. After pulling over the vehicle, the deputy found that Vanbaale exhibited signs of impairment. He was arrested for DUI after further investigation.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge drivers to remain responsible and sober, especially during the busy holiday season. Impaired driving remains a significant concern for law enforcement, and deputies remain committed to removing dangerous drivers from the roads to ensure public safety.
