VEHICLE CRASH INTO REDWOOD EMPIRE SIGN

Grants Pass Police Department

On 12-18-2021, at approximately 9:05 am, Officers from the Grants Pass Police responded to a report of a vehicle that left the roadway and crashed into the “Redwood Empire” sign next to the Caveman Bridge.  Initial reports were that the vehicle had possibly gone into the river.  Upon arrival, officers located a single motor vehicle off the roadway at rest on the pedestrian path near the Caveman Bridge.  

The male driver, later identified as 33 year old Bartholomew Lewis, was able to self extricate from the vehicle and was contacted near the Riverside Inn.  Witness statements and further investigation revealed Lewis was driving south on 6th street when his vehicle veered off of the roadway, driving over the curb, jumping into the air and striking the Redwood Empire sign.  The vehicle came to rest on the handrail located on the pedestrian path which crosses under the Caveman Bridge.

There were no injuries to the driver and full extent of damage to the sign is to be determined. Caveman Towing responded to remove the vehicle due to the location and difficulty in removing it from the pedestrian path.  Lewis was charged with Careless Driving.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with further information is asked to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.