Driver Crashes & Rolls Nearly Sideswiping Oregon State Police Car (PHOTOS)

Idaho Man Critically Injured After Nearly Crashing Into OSP Patrol Car on Highway 95 South of Jordan Valley

Photos of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(JORDAN VALLEY, Ore.) - Police say an Idaho man is in critical condition following a Wednesday night crash south of Jordan Valley where he reportedly almost hit an Oregon State Police trooper's patrol car before traveling off Highway 95 and rolling several times.

The ongoing investigation indicates alcohol is a possible contributing factor. The driver is identified as 41-year old Enrique Casas Valdez of Kuna, Idaho.

OSP says Wednesday around 11:33 p.m., OSP Trooper Kurt Marvin was patrolling northbound on Highway 95 near milepost 46 when he spotted a vehicle traveling southbound towards his patrol car at a high rate of speed.

Trooper Marvin reports obtaining a speed reading of 82 mph in a 55 mph speed zone. He slowed down to turn and stop the vehicle when it suddenly swerved into the northbound lane.

Trooper Marvin says he swerved to avoid a collision and the vehicle nearly sideswiped the patrol car's passenger side before traveling off the highway and rolling several times.

Trooper Marvin stopped and quickly exited his patrol car, finding an unconscious male lying on the ground in front of the vehicle. A brief area search for other occupants didn't find anyone else so he started providing medical aid while awaiting emergency medical responders.

After about one hour a Jordan Valley ambulance and Air St. Luke's medical helicopter arrived on scene.

The critically injured unidentified driver was taken by air to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Follow up ongoing investigation on Thursday confirmed the man's identity as 41-year old Enrique Casas Valdez of Kuna, Idaho. The man's next of kin have been notified.