A quick decision and selfless act by an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper stopped a wrong-way driver and quite possibly saved lives.
On March 18, starting at about 6 p.m., the OSP received several driving complaints regarding a white Ford Mustang. The driver of the Mustang was reported to be operating erratically on Interstate 84, eastbound from milepost 35.
Near milepost 51, a Hood River County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop the car and a pursuit ensued. The driving behavior of the mustang deteriorated even more, according to the OSP, so the deputy terminated the pursuit near milepost 60.
The driver of the Mustang avoided at least two stop-stick deployments. The driver continued east on I-84, eventually taking the first exit (82) into The Dalles. Officers and troopers were stationed at the top of the exit. The driver turned around on the off-ramp and proceeded to drive the wrong way down the off-ramp towards the eastbound lanes of I-84. OSP Sgt. Jason Calloway, who was attempting to catch up to the Mustang, took the exit. Seeing the Mustang was going to get on I-84 the wrong way, he decided to prevent this by intentionally colliding with the Mustang.
As a result of the crash, Calloway sustained minor injuries. He was treated and released from Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. The suspect was transported to Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Dalles Police Department is leading the crash investigation.
