MEDFORD, Ore. — An Albany man is in custody following a head-on collision on Crater Lake Highway on Monday.
According to the Medford Police Department, a 56-year-old male driving a silver 2007 Land Rover crossed the center median while heading northbound, striking a blue 2022 Hyundai sedan. The driver of the Hyundai, a 25-year-old female, sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital by first responders.
The man was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII)—inhalant—and is facing charges of DUII, reckless driving, and additional offenses. Authorities are currently collaborating with the Jackson County District Attorney's Office to finalize any criminal charges pending the investigation.
As a result of the incident, Crater Lake Highway is closed southbound at Justice Road, with northbound traffic reduced to one lane. The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team has been activated to assist with the investigation, and it is unclear how long the highway will remain closed.
MPD is on the scene alongside Medford Fire Department and Jackson County Fire District 3.
For further information, contact Liv Collom, Digital Content Manager at NewsWatch 12, at lcollom@kdrv.com.