OSP Busy with 100+ mph Speeders, DUII’s & Warrants Since Christmas
The Oregon State Troopers have been busy with speeders, DUII drivers and warrants since the Christmas holiday. Tuesday morning just after ten a Trooper stopped a red Honda Civic for going 109 miles per hour in a 65 zone on Interstate-5 near milepost 64 southbound. The driver, 43-year-old Jeramiah Scott Ballard, was cited for speed, driving uninsured and failure to register the vehicle. The Civic was towed. At 2:43 that afternoon Troopers were dispatched to investigate a crash at milepost 78 on I-5 but the vehicle was found to be disabled. The driver later identified as 28-year-old Colton Jerome Shults fled into the woods when the Trooper arrived. His female passenger provided his name and it returned with a wanted warrant. The vehicle was towed as a hazard. At 8:42 Tuesday night a Trooper stopped a Dodge R-15 at the intersection of Front Street and Tavis Road in Merlin because of warrants for the registered owner. The owner, 45-year-old Mark Lonnie Eaves Jr. was taken to the County Jail and lodged on the warrants, then released after being cited for driving while suspended misdemeanor. Just after nine that night a Trooper investigating a single vehicle crash at milepost 4 of state route 46, Cave Junction observed the driver showing signs of impairment. The driver, Damon Trey Brooks, 46, was arrested, taken to the Cave Junction Substation where he submitted a breath sample confirming .16 blood alcohol content. He was issued a criminal citation and released.