Sandy Man Arrested Following Crash Into Power Pole on Highway 26 Near Welches

PHOTO: Oregon State Police

(WELCHES, Ore.) - A Sandy-area man was arrested Monday on several charges after the pickup he was driving on Highway 26 in the Welches area crashed through a guardrail and struck a power pole causing power lines to drop onto the highway leading to a one hour closure.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper Tyler Bechtel, on October 18, 2010 at approximately 4:50 p.m. a 2006 Ford F150 pickup driven by Ronald Lewis Underwood, age 45, from Sandy, was eastbound on Highway 26 near milepost 39 in the right hand lane.

Underwood attempted to turn across the highway from the right eastbound lane onto Lataurelle Avenue but was unable to complete the turn, crashing through a guardrail and into a PGE power pole. The pickup traveled about 30 feet down an embankment before coming to a stop.

Witnesses told Bechtel that Underwood was driving erratically before the crash.

Subsequent investigation with the assistance of an OSP drug recognition evaluator led to Underwood's arrest for:

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants - Controlled Substance
• Reckless Driving
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree
• Probation Violation

Underwood was lodged in the Clackamas County Jail on the Probation Violation charge and cited to appear on the other charges.

Neither Underwood nor passenger Robert L. Kimberly, age 45, was injured. Both were using safety restraints.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Hoodland Fire Department, ODOT and PGE. No information about effect on area power to residents. Questions about any possible area power outage caused by this crash should be directed to PGE.

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Source: Oregon State Police