PORTLAND – An alleged drunk driver crashed into a car full of people while heading the wrong direction on Interstate 5 Saturday night, police said.
Just before 7:30 p.m., 35-year-old Derek Thiem was driving a 2002 Ford sedan southbound in the northbound lanes of I-5 when he drove onto the I-205 off ramp and crashed into a 2003 Chevrolet SUV with five people inside, said Lt. Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police.
Thiem was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He was cited for DUII, reckless driving, reckless endangering, assault and criminal mischief. He was also cited for possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
None of the passengers in the Chevrolet was taken to the hospital.
The I-205 off ramp was closed for one hour Saturday night.
