Police Say Car Crash Survivors Were Combative Toward Emergency Responders

Four Silverton residents involved in crash that police say was alcohol-related.‏

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash Monday night just before 8:30p.m. in the 7900 block of Hazelgreen Road NE.

According to witnesses and the Marion County Crash Team, a Silver 4-door 2009 Kia was traveling westbound on Hazelgreen Road NE when it left the roadway.

Investigators say the vehicle hit a power pole, continued forward hitting a dirt embankment and flipped, coming to rest on its top, back on the roadway.

Four people inside the vehicle were injured and a fifth person was uninjured, according to Lieutenant Sheila Lorance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office. She says emergency crews arrived to a scene with injured people who were difficult for crews to work with.

"When deputies and Marion County Fire District 1 arrived, several of the occupants became combative and attempted to interfere with deputies and medics on scene. They refused to comply with directives to ensure their safety and at times became extremely loud, vulgar and tried to fight with the deputies."

20-year old Donald Thomas II of Silverton was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Interfering with Police and transported to the Marion County Jail. 20-year old Sarah Duddy of Silverton was also cited for Disorderly Conduct and Interfering with Police and transported to Salem Hospital for evaluation.

The driver of the vehicle, 23-year old William Young of Silverton, was transported to Salem Hospital with injuries.

Another passenger, 19-year old Jessica Smith of Silverton was critically injured and transferred from Salem Hospital to Oregon Health Sciences University. The passenger who was uninjured was 18-year old Alexandria Thayer, also of Silverton.

Marion County Crash Team investigators are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash; however, it appears alcohol was a factor.

Also, Lorance says that while deputies were investigating the crash, the owner of the involved vehicle called Silverton Police and reported it had been stolen. Silverton Police say they are investigating.

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insider March 26, 2011 10:02 am (Pacific time)

UPDATE: Will is back in jail.. again.. caught by silverton police trying to sneak out the back door at your break tavern while on probation. That's how HE rolls; Three days after this wreck, almost killing all occupants, he was out partying and I saw him practically comatose, staggering, blubbering drunk. Somebody needs to stop this maniac. Haters: remember, ALL PASSENGERS of this idiot were victims. Editor: right on for having the balls to say it like it is! All we have is the brave media types like this editor, to keep the BAD cops (definitely not all cops) in check! I've seen Silverton PD mace a guy for riding a bike on the sidewalk! Come on! ProudPoliceWife: you are ignorant and any more entries will only embarrass you further!

Not saying March 7, 2010 11:24 pm (Pacific time)

Sarah, I'm glad you're ok. Two of my kids have been in very serious accidents. One of their friends died in one but I can't say more or everyone will know who I am. To be honest, I am scared of the police in Salem and the area now. I was pulled over for "weaving" on I-5. Long story short, the officer TOLD me that when he first saw me he thought I was a drug user. By that time, he knew I was disabled and that I have some physical marks because of it (spotting on my skin, etc.) He said he was sorry he pulled me over but between how I looked and my car being crappy (i'll give him that)he "couldn't take the chance." He was right about me being "bad" cause I had no insurance, as he saw on the card, it had lapsed three days prior. No more car for me. The bottom line was, he PROFILED me, and incorrectly to boot. Yep, I was wrong, but so was he. As for Sarah and friends, good for you saying your peace. Smoking is legal for adults in a public place like the ROAD. Sorry you went through this.

Sarah's poppa February 4, 2010 12:46 am (Pacific time)

I don't know if anyone will see this since it is old news, but I just wanted to leave an update. Sarah went to court on Tuesday morning and the DA decided to drop all charges. She has to stay out of trouble or they can still choose to proceed on the charges, but from seeing the change that this incident has brought on her, I'd be shocked if she ever gets into a situation like that again. The accident may have saved her life. Many thanks to the Editor and the supporting comments, and even to some of the ones who called the kids idiots... I don't entirely blame you for what you said. It was a bad situation made worse by BOTH sides overreacting in my opinion. The only thing I can say in the kids' defense is that they had been through a traumatic situation and were probably not thinking all that clearly at that point. The cops should be trained professionals and be able to get things into control better than they did. It's impossible for anyone not on the scene to truly know what happened, so I won't be too critical. Our family is just extremely happy to have this behind us.

Editor: Thanks for taking the time to leave this thoughtful comment, maybe there is something to be gained from all of this, I hope so! Best to you.

deanna mendenhall January 20, 2010 10:21 am (Pacific time)

by the way policewife, watch those baseless accusations of who you call ignorant. you know nothing of me and my life. im not here calling you a offensive names because of what you are. why? because i respect people. why dont you learn to do the same.

deanna mendenhall January 20, 2010 10:18 am (Pacific time)

its really a shame that people seem to think that attacking and bashing the editor is a viable way to release frustration. its immature, and its a poor way to get your point across. looking at this situation logically, yes the police have good and bad to them, however this situation is one that is bad. while driving drunk is very stupid, treating those involved in a less than professional way, regardless of the publics reaction, is wrong and unacceptable. the problem is that no one knows how to keep their age group biases to themselves (on both sides. i know that if this were to have happened to me and i decided to smoke a cigarette after no one would be able to stop me. i know my rights, and if you dont like my smoke then walk away. i also know i wouldnt appreciate being yelled at when i was just involved in a terrible accident. how many people have been in crazy situations and lost your nerve a little bit? how many people have lost their temper? EVERYONE. the police are trained in verbal judo and should know how to deal with a situation of that sort without resulting to childish arguing and yelling. where has professionalism gone?

Anonymous January 11, 2010 2:54 pm (Pacific time)

Editor: So if a person sticks up for their rights, they are self-loathing? I don't know where you found that one.

- One must either be self-loathing or completely and totally miserable in order to ignorantly accuse anyone of anything that he or she wasn't involved in first-hand. Everyone knows misery loves company.

Here's some news for you, those COPS ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS and here is something else, THEY ARE TAX PAID. Here is something else, THE WORST ABUSERS ARE THE ONES WHO DO IT WITH A BADGE OR A CLERGY CLOTH.

- Another ignorant accusation. So you are saying that because a police officer is a public servant, tax-payers are well within their rights to treat public servants how they see fit regardless of anyone else's priority of care? In addition, solely because a person is tax-paid does not give tax-payers any more or less right as humans. This seems to be a bit of a discriminatory comment. For your information, a 2006 Department of Justice report showed that out of 26,556 citizen complaints about excessive use of police force among large U.S. agencies in 2002, about 2000 were found to have merit. That is quite a low percentage of valid cases compared to several thousand ACCUSATIONS, wouldn't you say?

Do you want me to go on? Police think they are above the rules about 90% of the time. You are obviously so sold down the road that there is little for you to learn, but the friggin' AUDACITY of suggesting that police should pick and choose who they assist and that people don't DESERVE what their hard earned tax dollars are used for, will only cause me to look at the police with a far more critical eye, and trust me that it is already critical. I am the first one to say they 'did well' and the first one who has the guts in this state to call them out over their mistakes. We don't play pansy games with media and cops, these kids were in a bad situation yet only one was driving. Believe me, I am stopping now but I have a HELL of a lot to add.

- It sounds to me as though you are a very angry person incapable of objectively listening to the opinions of others. It is unfortunate that as an editor you find it quite impossible to put yourself in this same situation if maybe your family member was a victim of adolescent drunk driving and was suffering injuries that were not being tended to because the emergency personnel responding was too busy fighting off combative, immature and intoxicated teenagers.

Editor: I'm not angry, I just think there are two sides to a story and this society in recent years has come to take the word of police over the citizens they serve far too often. Have I seen bad police? You bet. Do I think most are bad, absolutely not. But the ones who throw temper tantrums over stupid things in absolute insensitivity, is a burr in my saddle, yes. I have always known police and worked with them, probably far more than most people over twenty plus years in reporting. So, you ask about the DUII as if I were defending that, you certainly know that isn't the case, right? I think that the story cited by the girl Sarah is probably as likely as the truth as anything. With the way they were approached, it seems no wonder that they stood up for themselves, and you can dress it up any way you want. Maybe if the cop hadn't jumped all over an adult for smoking in public outdoors, none of this would have happened.

SLV January 8, 2010 11:06 pm (Pacific time)

What are you talking about? I never said anything about selective treatment. I think you may be losing your touch. I think you may be a tad confused old man.

Editor: Well I had to get my bifocals out to read that last line, you know how people get when they reach the age of 46 or so, things get a little confusing. I admit that I can't keep all comment people straight, especially when the sentiments are close, I confused your line of comments with another in here that is similar, for that you have my apology.

SLV January 8, 2010 9:53 pm (Pacific time)

I think the editor needs to SHUT THE HECK UP! If someone doesn't agree with what he has to say, he has to add his stupid nonsense in. EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion, and should be able to speak freely without you belittling their comment with your input. I find it so funny that Sarah and Anu were in a drunk driving car accident, but it didn't stop them from going to a bar[looks like sluts] and drinking the day after christmas, which was only 4 days after their accident. Hm, must not have effected them too bad.

Editor: So selective treatment from police and now you are going to tell a news editor that you have a right to say whatever you want... Look, I have no problem with you, you were not nice in your assessment of the situation in my view. Rather than just deleting your comment, I approved it and added my two cents, and that's how we roll around here.

Anonymous January 8, 2010 2:45 pm (Pacific time)

TO ALL THOSE SELF-LOATHING COP HATERS DON'T BOTHER CALLING THEM WHEN YOU NEED HELP NEXT TIME, BECAUSE YOU DON'T DESERVE IT! AND ANOTHER THING IF THESE IRRESPONSIBLE TEENAGERS WOULD HAVE HIT AND KILLED ONE OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS I'M PRETTY DAMN SURE YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN DOING THE SAME THING TRYING TO INVESTIGATE!!!

Editor: So if a person sticks up for their rights, they are self-loathing? I don't know where you found that one. Here's some news for you, those COPS ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS and here is something else, THEY ARE TAX PAID. Here is something else, THE WORST ABUSERS ARE THE ONES WHO DO IT WITH A BADGE OR A CLERGY CLOTH. Do you want me to go on? Police think they are above the rules about 90% of the time. You are obviously so sold down the road that there is little for you to learn, but the friggin' AUDACITY of suggesting that police should pick and choose who they assist and that people don't DESERVE what their hard earned tax dollars are used for, will only cause me to look at the police with a far more critical eye, and trust me that it is already critical. I am the first one to say they 'did well' and the first one who has the guts in this state to call them out over their mistakes. We don't play pansy games with media and cops, these kids were in a bad situation yet only one was driving. Believe me, I am stopping now but I have a HELL of a lot to add.

ProudPoliceWife December 30, 2009 5:50 pm (Pacific time)

Haha "Editor" I am allowed to curse just as much as these juvenile kids are. In Sarah's oh so tragic story, she admitted to not only cursing at the police officers, but she did so using her own words to explain herself. So, if you're offended by my opinion, maybe you're in the wrong profession dear.

Editor: So you have a right to use profanity when that is in clear violation of our rules? If you are saying that one of those kids left a profane words in the comment section of Salem-News.com, then thank you, it slipped through and I will take care of it right now. I've been doing what I do for over 20 years, so I'm afraid we're all stuck with it!

Anonymous December 30, 2009 9:57 am (Pacific time)

wow people are so stupid. if you drink while driving, your asking to get killed. suicidal much?

ProudPoliceWife December 30, 2009 4:35 am (Pacific time)

Is it not in the Police officers rights as well to not be subjected to be around smoke while getting the statement from everyone. I know for damn sure police officers have just as many rights as these so called "victims". If you were a non-smoker, and someone at your job lit up a cigarette in your direction while you were trying to do your job, how would you feel? Pretty damn violated I bet right? Before anyone calls these cops on &^%$, maybe you should put yourself in their shoes. I love how everyone is a cop hater until you need them because someone stole your car, or your husband is beating on you, or something goes wrong in your life. Grow the hell up and take responsibilities for your actions instead of finding the easy way out. My 4 year old tries to blame stuff on other people when he's in trouble too..immaturity from a 4 year old is acceptable, maybe if you would like to be treated as an adult by police you should give them the respect you demand so much from them. You are an ignorant girl who has a lot to learn.

Editor: Well police wife, why don't you start by following our rules and not using profanity? Talk about irony, you think these kids should snap to because a cop says something... creating laws that don't exist to enforce. And you say the kids, traumatized by a car wreck they had to crawl out of don't deserve a cigarette? I believe they had every legal right and the cops very likely had no right to treat them that way. I am the father of a deputy, but that doesn't cause me to try to justify every action of police.

deanna mendenhall December 25, 2009 10:21 pm (Pacific time)

it is in our basic rights to smoke a cigarette if we are over the age of 18, yes? then why would an office of the "law" use brutal force when young adults over the legal age for smoking decided to light up after a life altering, stress inducing circumstance? it is because of the power issues that seem to be present in every cop but one (that i have come in contact with) in silverton. there is a power hungry, underlying motive behind the police actions. they are stereotyping the youth of silverton into one lump sum category without further investigation into what a person is actually like. i can guarantee you that if any one of those police officers smoked, and just witnessed the most extreme crash of their lives they would light one up right after. its a typical image of power over the oppressed (youth, women, stereotypical "trouble makers", etc. ) and when that power is even the least bit compromised, unsafe reactions occur. shame on you silverton pd for showing such a blantant lack of concern for your citizens and your duties as law enforcement. go back to police school and learn some respect for those you serve.

capn morgan slv December 25, 2009 1:10 pm (Pacific time)

first off sarah i'm glad you are ok im glad your all alright not to sure on faye do you know? but anyway this was a tragedy all in itself and most you ***ks have such a slanderous mouth even knowing you weren't there if you don't understand the situation shut your mouths. these few need help getting things figured out. you slamming them doesn't help anything it seems like your a school bully that has a ****ty life trying to be involved in something at everyone else's expense. these guys have been bashed around enough by a car and cops they dont need your ***T too. ps silverton pd sux

Sarah Duddy December 25, 2009 12:53 pm (Pacific time)

I totally agree that my actions of yelling at the cop was wrong. I will NOT deny that. It was also very idiotic of me to get into that car without any knowledge of how much Will had drank. Though this situation has mainly been a bad thing, there has been some good in it. It has became a sign or wake up call to some of us. A sign that we need a change in our lives. At least its been a huge wake up call for myself. Its been an amazing Christmas so far. Being alive and well and getting to spend time with my friends and family, is more than I could ever ask for. I thank God several times a day for letting me keep my life. My life or others could of been gone in a split second. All over some idiot who decided to put our lives in jeopardy. Its just not fair that one person can decide our fate. To think that there could have been other cars involved DISGUSTS me!! Since the accident, when I get in a car, the first thing I have asked the driver is… “have you been drinking”. Some think I am crazy, others understand. What I am more afraid of now… is the fact that there could be another person under the influence, like Will coming at us… potentially killing others. I want this incident to show others how extremely STUPID it is and how it is NOT worth it!! Driving places when you are even slightly buzzed IS SOOOOO DUMB. SO DON’T DO IT!!!!!!! PLEASE. Much love and God Bless you all on this joyous day. Merry Christmas!

Vic December 25, 2009 8:14 am (Pacific time)

I have lived in Silverton for ten years, and all I can say is look at their police depts track record. They are trying to keep Silverton white, and upper class, and God help anyone who fails to meet the criteria. They have like ten police cars, several motorcycles (yeah...just for Silverton) and think they are the Kings of Silverton. They RUIN the town as far as I am concerned. Screw Silverton and their power crazed thugs...I am glad that I do not live there anymore...

ThankyouLord! December 25, 2009 12:28 am (Pacific time)

First off...do not get into a vehicle when you know someone drank. You better ask them how much they have drank before you step foot inside that car. Seriously..Second of all the police are trained to be that way. To them they have no idea if you are a threat. But yes it was wrong of them to throw him to the ground and handcuff you without explanation. That doesnt seem right. From what ive seen they need to ask questions first before throwing people to the ground and into cars. Your side of the story does need to come out along with the others that were with you ( anu and Donnie) so its more then one person telling the story. You shouldnt have talked to the police officer like that because thats just not going to help the situation. It is very irritating and not right at all i know that but i would have waited to talk. I hope you can make a case about this though because being fined for what happend is not okay. I am glad everyone is okay and i pray that you or the others dont get into something like that again. Im exremely happy that there were no other vehicles involved. The driver needs some hard core punishment. I dont care if he was drunk and his judgement was impaired. he could have killed Every single one of you. he could have taken your lives just like that. Just know that God is with you all the time. Not just times like that. He is ready to listen about anything. Just know that. May God bless all your families and watch over them.

Anonymous December 24, 2009 9:36 pm (Pacific time)

i think the only thing that would really solve these re-occurring problems with the police would be to require the badge cameras on every officer. i believe that in even only Silverton Police Departments recent history you could prove that it would be worth the cost to have those installed on the force. i do further believe that police are our authority and it's the easiest decision to comply with their wishes, but when their wishes aren't required by law, then i say do what you want in the terms of legality. once i realized that there was alcohol involved in a completely outrageous accident like this, i cringed. you have to think about this. i think i would have been mortified at the accident and disgusted at the fact that alcohol was the factor in this. still, no reason to power trip and get aggressive, on either side.

Oregon Reader December 24, 2009 9:19 pm (Pacific time)

If the ambulance was required by the police and you were placed under arrest, then the county pays the bills, not the patient. They have to because they had custody of you... At least that is my understanding.

Oregon Reader December 24, 2009 9:09 pm (Pacific time)

The only thing that might stick is if a group were to organize to require badge or helmet cams for all police. The police would be supported because it would eliminate false complaints and support them in their cases, and the citizens would be supported because the bada$$ cops could not longer act as if they have the right to do whatever they GoD#amn want to... See http://www.ruraltraining.org/news/539

Been There December 24, 2009 8:12 pm (Pacific time)

Yeah, and the police have learned how easy it is to fabricate a story to make "Interfering with Police" stick. They have the DA on their side. Take the plea offered to drop this to an infraction and let it go. You won't find an attorney to sue them, because they stonewall the attorneys and will drag out a court case five or more years. My advice is to just let it drop. These types of $HIT cops aren't worth the hassle. But they keep on teaching the newer guys "how to act" and how the game is played to cover their own a$$e$. ANY INJURY YOU HAVE FROM THEM, THEY WILL SAY WAS PRE-EXISTING. Were these all Marion County Deputies? The Commissioners won't even listen to a complaint.

Editor: But as in any situation, staying quiet will not change anything. I get jaded too, but if enough people turn in police or deputies who are abusive, it goes in their records. If they screw up in a bigger way, then those things can have impact by documenting a pattern. This comment person is right, the police play into the hand of the DA.

Anonymous December 24, 2009 8:13 pm (Pacific time)

Hey Samantha, did you sue over your dad? What happened?

Sarah Duddy December 24, 2009 5:01 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you all for all the comments! Im trying to get this known. The Cops had no right to treat us like that. My father is helping me get a lawyer and im going to fight this. Im deeply upset that this is what it has come down to. I wish that none of this happened but it did and its given me a new found faith. I asked God to take my life in his hands and he did. He saved us.

samantha December 24, 2009 3:31 pm (Pacific time)

just to let you know if you want to sue the city of salem you only have 6 months in which to file a tort claim in your case i would document the bruses talk to a lawyer and move as fast as possible to prove you were wronged cops get away with far to much now a days my uncle was the transiant who was hog tied and killed by the cops about 2 years ago and i can tell you that if you have any eye whitnesses your case will be easyer to prove... just hoping to give you some helpful intormation

Anonymous December 24, 2009 10:03 am (Pacific time)

To cds1212, I've also been questioned and kicked out of a park in Silverton at 3:30 PM for "loitering"

Dorothy Davis December 24, 2009 7:42 am (Pacific time)

Don't ever call a cop "Dude". For some reason, it infuriates them. Don't you watch "Cops" on TV?

SLVdude December 24, 2009 6:13 am (Pacific time)

I'm not surprised. This was bound to happen for some of these people involved. I know all of them, except the driver. Donnie is a trouble maker, and he has gotten in more fights than I even care to remember. He sits and loiters like a "thug" outside of the quickstop on a daily, he is a low life. Sarah I'm sure you are smarter than that, to get into a car with someone who has even had one beer is irresponsible, and you are in your 20s? Time to grow up. Faye I'll be praying for you and your family.

Respects officers December 24, 2009 5:14 am (Pacific time)

Everybody complains about how bad cops are but nobody can do anything about it really. I still am sided with cops and respect them very much for what they do and what they put on the line for us but I have had some encounters with Salem Police that left a sour taste in my mouth. But for the most part they have been very nice. One politely told me that he cannot help me jump my car because even if he could it was impossible because of the way the cars are designed. The cop on my ride along was very cool and answered all my questions. The police I helped in the capture of McGinnis and her friends were also very professional. I was pulled over recently for not using a turn signal at 230 in the morning with no other cars around for at least 1/4 mile, except the cop who saw it and sped up to catch up to me and harass me. He puts his lights on, I can't pull over because the sides of the road had cars so I drove home, about 5 seconds away from where I was anyway. He gets out, almost screaming,"Why did you not pull over!?" I say,"I had nowhere to pull over so I just drove here, it's my house, it was close and felt it was the safer thing to do." He rattles on,"Well, that's not your choice! Didn't you read your drivers manual!? How did you get your license!? Do you even have your license?" My Dad then walks out of the house and the officer tells my Dad,"You need go go back inside!" My Dad says,"But I'm his Dad," and the officer says,"I don't care! Go back inside!" Eh, long story short the guy was a prick. Must be the command presence they teach them... Glad you lived through it Sarah!

GonzoEnder December 24, 2009 2:02 am (Pacific time)

reguardless of the stupidity of the driver and passengers of the automobile that is not an excuse for police brutality. I don't care what anyone says. Why do you think cops in Sacramento have to wear cameras on their heads? To show how bad every single person in society is? Could it be they need to root out police officers who are bad apples and misuse their force which is granted to them by society?

Anonymous December 23, 2009 10:19 pm (Pacific time)

considering that the cop jumped down their throats for smoking a cigarette which to my knowledge is still completely legal, I don't think they're DIPWADS for standing up for them selves when the cop was totally out of line, instead of harassing them, he should have idk asked for their side of what happened and let them smoke their cigs during the interrogation. personally i think that cops that react that poorly to such situations obviously aren't comprehending how a GOOD officer would have handled that situation also taking into consideration that all 4 passengers are still very young. Oh and btw sometimes when something that s#itty happens, smoking a cigarette is the one thing needed to calm the nerves. Sarah I'm glad you're okay.

danndann December 23, 2009 9:51 pm (Pacific time)

you guys are morons. When you're sober and look at the fucking pictures let me know how u would feel about dragging a couple of buzzed "kids" out of a f*#@ed up overturned car and not thinking that they need medical attention. But I do full understand both sides of the story.

cds1212 December 23, 2009 9:50 pm (Pacific time)

Being Born and Raised in Silverton I've seen a lot of misused force, A friend of mine has died, I have been even given a 45 minute speech for "Loitering" in a Town park that I hadn't visited in 2 years. To the guy who says "These people are known in Silverton for there stupidity should go and meet these people and stop hearing what he's told before he opens his mouth in a completely slanderous and filthy mouth again.

Sarah Duddy December 23, 2009 2:49 pm (Pacific time)

I was in the accident and this is what happened in my eyesThe cops have the story a little bit skewed. This is my side of the story to the best of my knowledge. Anuhea (Alexandria Thayer) and I got picked up and taken to Will Young and Matt Brennans apartment. We got there and they had a beer while we were there but Anu and I had no idea HOW MUCH they had drank. Will did NOT seem like he was drunk at the time. They asked us if we wanted to go on a ride to Salem. We accepted and headed off. I wasnt sure whether Will was joking around or not but he was skipping stop signs and swerving into the other lane. I was scared, im not going to lie. I kept telling him that even though i didnt have a license I would perfer it if he would let me drive the rest of the way. I remember calling out.."Will I want to live to 21!!!!" I havent prayed in over a year but something came over me and i just started praying. Will was driving pretty damn fast, not sure HOW fast, but pretty fast. We were on Hazelgreen Rd and all of a sudden we see the sharp turn signs and all of us in the back (from left to right: Donny, Anuhea and I) were yelling.. "SLOW DOWN!!! CORNER!!! CORNER!!!" and it was pretty much in slow motion from there. Donny, Anu and I were able to get out of the back through one of the windows. Im pretty sure Faye (Jessica Smith) and Will were NOT buckeled in, because they were hurt the worst and they were stuck in the vehicle for a bit. Will was unconscious for approximately 15 mins, so we all thought he was dead. So I was freaking out because Faye was still stuck inside. After faye was taken out Donny Thomas and I walked to the side and lit up a cigarette, a cop told us to put it out, therefore i did.. but Donny didnt. So the cop came over to him and like ripped it out of his hands and started man handling him, while arresting him. So I stuck up for him. I was like dude we just got in a car accident stop being so rough with him. I was yelling yes.. but the cop was about to tase him. He was like step back or you will be arrested too. He then through Donny to the ground and was stepping on him. I was like, dude he might have broken ribs from the accident (thats what Donny said before the cop did this). I told the officer to STOP! and then he told me he was going to arrest me, so i said what for? and he said fine you're under arrest and he told me to turn around, so i did.. while crying. He put on the cuffs on me and my purse was falling off my shoulder, so you know how you move your shoulder to catch it.. dunno how to explain it.. but i did that and the cuffs werent properly on (and i have small wrists) so my hand came out.. total accident! WAS NOT trying to escape.. but they thought i was so about 4 cops pretty much attack me and seriously hurt my arms, i have bruises. They threw me up against the ambulance side and was like "GUARD THE DOOR!!" and i was crying saying "im guarding the f*#king door dude!!!" they put me in the back of the cop car and later came back and was like either you're going to jail or to the hospital, what is your choice? So of course i chose the hospita, but once i got in the ambulance...i realized how expensive they were and i wasnt that badly hurt so i was like " GET ME OUT OF HERE I CANT AFFORD THIS....IM FINE" but they wouldnt let me go.. I may have been a little loud and vulgar as the reports say, but NONE of us were combative. The cops treated us like we were retarded and on some weird drugs. I wasnt drunk nor was i on drugs. I stuck up for my friend. I was scared, freaked out at the whole situation. I thought my friend was dead. Would you not freak out? Also the car was reported stolen. To the best of my knowledge it was NOT. The car belonged to the roommate of Will's (the driver who is so insane and could have killed us or others) I am so thankful for my life and that I walked away from the hospital with only some scratches and bruises. God protected us. I am also very thankful that there were no other vehicles involved. This whole situation is just very uncool lets just say. We were in the wrong for sure for even getting in the car.. but i hope that this will help teach people. I know I have learned so much from this experience and I wish I could do something to help teach others about drunk driving.

Editor: Sarah, that is a Hell of an experience for you to have gone through, I'm glad you and your friends survived and I'm sure there is little worse than fearing for your life when a driver is behaving that way. I would like to hear more about your story, and I wonder, have you photographed the bruises? Also, have you considered filing a complaint? I am not sure any law exists that prevents the one individual from smoking in the first place, it sounds like the law enforcement officials were very intense. Also, it is alarming to think that people who have just survived a crash are treated that way, according to what you stated.

As a news group, we receive a press releases, sometimes we just publish what the police send in, and sometimes we make a phone call to ask a couple of questions. I did that in this case, but I am sure the Lieutenant I spoke to was not actually at the scene, not sure really. I would be interested in looking into this, feel free to drop me an email: tim@salem-news.com.

Tim King

WTF in SEQUIM December 22, 2009 6:43 pm (Pacific time)

complete bull!! I too have been in that area of Silverton and had cops harrass me just for knowing someone they didn't like! Not my fault i'm related! Anyhow, people really do need to not drink and drive! They are lucky no one outside of their vehical was hurt!!! ANd i think they were very irresponsible if they were drinking! That said, i personaly know 1 involved in this accident and the things reported she says is bull, so i believe her!! Mt angel cops and Silverton cops can all kiss my ass!

Editor: Don't use profanity on Salem-News.com stories, please, it violates our policy and we get testy about it.

knightdalejb December 22, 2009 6:36 pm (Pacific time)

looks like they JUST missed the orange X... u get a bonus if u land the car upside down on the X. it's probably what made the kids upset....

Anonymous December 22, 2009 6:20 pm (Pacific time)

You dont understand silverton cops til you have encounters with them. They really are Sh**heads.

Anonymous December 22, 2009 4:21 pm (Pacific time)

Prayers to the Families. But the refusing to do what the police told them to do is not entirely correct

silly December 22, 2009 3:13 pm (Pacific time)

I think its stupid how these idiots are saying that the police were complete a-holes at the scene, UM HELLLOOO, DO WHAT THEY SAY DIPWADS!! and of course, alcohol had to be a factor. These people are known in Silverton for their stupidity. Oh, the police are such a-holes, PSHT idiots!

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