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Driver slams into bar, then rams patrol car

Credit: Marion County Sheriff's Office

This Marion County Sheriff's deputy's patrol car was damaged by an alleged drunk driver ramming into it.

by Teresa Blackman

Posted on November 17, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Updated Tuesday, Nov 17 at 12:07 PM

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KEIZER, Ore. -- A suspected drunk driver slammed into a bar in Keizer and then rammed a patrol car while trying to escape, police said.

Deputy Jerry Wollenschlaeger said he first spotted the erratic driver on River Road in Keizer and tried to pull him over for speed racing. But instead of pulling over, the driver sped up and tried to flee.

"The suspect, 32-year-old Andrew Wooldridge of Keizer, then failed to negotiate a right turn from River Road onto James Street North. He was going to fast and skidded through the intersection, impacting a metal bench and then struck the All Stars Sports Bar building," said Lieutenant Sheila Lorance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Wollenschlaeger pulled in behind the vehicle and as he started to get out of his car, he said Wooldridge put his Jeep Cherokee in reverse and rammed the passenger side of the patrol car.

"He continued to back up against the passenger's side of the patrol vehicle causing extensive damage to the entire side of the patrol vehicle," Lorance said.  "Wooldridge then accelerated rapidly eastbound on James Street, traveling in the wrong side of the road. He then suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, got out of the vehicle and threw his hands up in the air."

Wooldridge was captured and arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Elude, Hit and Run, Reckless Endangering and Criminal Mischief.

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washcomom said on November 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM

Classic Keystone Cop scenario - only without the Keystone Cops. Thank goodness no one was seriously hurt. Just throw him in the tank, and let him dry out for a long time. Keep his license, as he doesn't need it anymore.

shallowend said on November 17, 2009 at 3:28 PM

First offense DUII (ANY intoxicant) should be 1 year in jail at your own expense, loss of Vehicle, loss of license for 1 year, $25,000 fine (payable at minimum wage for road cleaning), and 500 hours community service, and 5 years probation. Second offense: 5 years in jail at your own expense, loss of vehicle, $250,000 fine, and lifetime probation. Third Offense: Life in prison without parole. And yes, I have lost a loved one to a drunk driver.

nefarious said on November 17, 2009 at 4:15 PM

I saw the bench this morning on my way to work and said to my bf, wow look at that bench, someone drove into it. It is smushed almost flat and backward. What a total loser this guy is...anywhere in Keizer is a $5 cab ride.