Police Stop Dementia Patient Driving a Van

The patient with dementia left the Sheridan Care Facility in a staff member's van on Highway 18.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(McMINNVILLE, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police and Yamhill County Sheriff's Office teamed together Saturday evening to stop a dementia patient driving a van that failed to stop for officers after nearly causing several head-on traffic crashes on Highway 18 west of McMinnville.

An OSP trooper used a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver to bring the van to a stop and the driver was evaluated at an area hospital then released to staff of the care facility where she was residing.

At approximately 7:20 PM a 59-year old female patient/resident with dementia left the Sheridan Care Facility in a staff member's van, without permission or knowledge of the staff.

The woman began to travel eastbound on Highway 18 towards McMinnville.

Multiple driving complaints were received from citizens advising the white 1992 Plymouth Voyager van was all over the road nearly causing several head-on crashes.

A YCSO deputy spotted the van and attempted to stop it with the assistance of YCSO Sheriff Crabtree.

The van failed to yield to the officers and continued eastbound at a slow speed.

An OSP trooper moved into position behind the van as other YCSO deputies stopped westbound traffic about two miles west of McMinnville.

As the van was traveling slowly the trooper initiated the TVI maneuver and brought it to a stop.

The woman was not injured.

She was taken to the Willamette Valley Medical Center for evaluation and later released to the Sheridan Care Facility staff.

Information will be forwarded to the Yamhill County District Attorney's Office for consideration of any charges.