THE DALLES, Ore. -- A drowsy driver almost crashed into an Oregon State Police patrol car Saturday after falling asleep at the wheel, investigators said.
Senior Trooper Thad Routson had just pulled over a speeder on Interstate 84, two miles west of The Dalles, when an eastbound Ford Focus veered onto the shoulder of the freeway and struck a fog marker.
“The Ford narrowly missed the OSP patrol car, driving along its right side and partially on a rocky steep embankment,” said Lt. Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police. “The Ford came to rest on a pile of rocks along the south side shoulder embankment with heavy front end damage.”
The driver, 34-year-old Dennis Brenden from Wash., and his female passenger survived without any serious injuries. Brenden was cited for careless driving and no operator's license.
Following the crash, Trooper Routson completed his investigation regarding the initial traffic stop and that driver, Bryan Creasey, 38, of Portland, was arrested on DUII charges.
Trooper Routson was not injured.
