Single Vehicle Crash at Deschutes Junction

Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office - 05/07/18


On May 7, 2018, at about 2:43 pm, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a complaint about a vehicle leaving Redmond and driving southbound on Highway 97.  The first caller reported seeing a bike come out of the bed of the truck and a second caller reported seeing the vehicle going into oncoming traffic.

A deputy was in the area and located the grey 2003 Chevy Silverado truck still southbound, just north of Deschutes Junction.  The deputy pulled in behind the Silverado and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, however the driver didn’t respond or yield to the emergency lights.  As the Silverado approached southbound highway exit at Deschutes Junction, the driver drifted onto the highway shoulder and nearly struck an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) worker as he worked in the area.  The Silverado then left the roadway at highway speed and crashed.

The driver, Greg L. Willis of Bend, was transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for apparent minor injuries.  Willis’ injuries have since been changed to serious and he has been admitted into the hospital.  Alcohol is suspected as being a factor in this crash.

Willis has been cited on charges of DUII – Felony, Driving While Suspended – Felony, and Reckless Endangerment of a Highway Worker.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Oregon State Police, Bend Police Department, Bend Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

If you see a suspected drunk or impaired driver, you can report it by calling 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.


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