Off-duty Marion County Deputy Arrested Following Crash

Initial tests indicate that Parson's blood alcohol level was approximately .227

PHOTO: Salem Police Department

(SALEM, Oregon) - Police arrested an off-duty Marion County deputy on DUII charges after a crash that left a man trapped in his wrecked vehicle, requiring extrication. Initial tests indicate that 61-year old Dennis Parson's blood alcohol level was approximately .227; nearly three times the legal blood alcohol limit.

Salem Police say Parson was driving his 1978 Chevrolet pickup westbound on Kuebler Boulevard at approximately 11:49 p.m., approaching Turner Road, when he struck a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by 24-year old Justin Smith.

Smith had been stopped on Kuebler and was waiting to turn north onto Turner Road, according to reports, when he saw the other vehicle coming toward him and attempted to take evasive action.

His vehicle was struck on the passenger door by Parson's truck, which rolled onto its side and continued on Kueber Blvd, with the momentum eventually causing the vehicle to right itself.

Smith, who was trapped in his vehicle for approximately 30 minutes, was extricated by fire personnel and transported to Salem Hospital with what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries.

Parson was not injured in the incident, and subsequent investigation by Salem Police Officers led to his arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Assault in the Third Degree and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

More Photos 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier wrecked | Parson's 1978 Chevrolet pickup | Fire fighters extricating victim

Source: Salem Police