Albany Man Suspected of DUII-Inhalant Crashes Head-On into Hyundai, Leaving Medford Woman Seriously Injured

MEDFORD, Ore. — Responding to reports of a head-on motor vehicle collision at Crater Lake Hwy/Justice Road yesterday, the Medford Police Department (MPD) established that one of the drivers, a 56-year-old male from Albany, Oregon, had crossed over the center median.

He was detained on suspicion of DUII-inhalant. The other driver was seriously injured.

A Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team investigation involving the MPD determined that the northbound Albany man, driving a Silver 2007 Land Rover, crossed over the center median before striking a blue 2022 Hyundai sedan head-on.

MPD, Mercy Flights Inc., the Medford Fire Department, and Jackson County Fire District 3 responded to the emergency call.

The 25-year-old female Hyundai driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is currently being treated, but no reports have been received on her current status.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, but the Range Rover driver was detained on suspicion of DUII-Inhalant and is currently under investigation for DUII, Reckless Driving, and other related charges.

Officers are gathering evidence and working closely with a Jackson County District Attorney, who will decide whether any criminal charges will be laid after the investigation is complete.

The southbound lane of Crater Lake Highway was closed at Justice Road for the serious vehicle accident investigation, while the northbound traffic was restricted to one lane.