CHEMULT, OR. (KPTV) -
The Oregon State Police said they arrested a 44-year old Prineville woman Tuesday night after she fled into the woods following an injury crash on Highway 97 about 22 miles south of Chemult.
Sgt. Robert Fenner said Michelle Richards, age 44, was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 225 when she struck the rear of a moving southbound pickup driven by Casey Howland, age 25, from Bend.
The pickup, which reportedly was going 20 to 30 mph when it was hit, was pushed off the southbound shoulder and rolled until coming to rest among pine trees. Richards' car spun off the northbound shoulder also coming to rest among pine trees.
Howland was transported by Chemult Ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries.
After the collision, Richards fled the scene on foot into the forest. Troopers searched the area and found Richards, who had also received minor injuries.
Richards was taken by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center. After being medically cleared, she was arrested and lodged in the Klamath County Jail on charges including DUII, failure to perform the duties of a driver involved in an injury traffic crash, assault in the fourth degree, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person.
Both drivers were using seat belts and the air bag deployed in the car driven by Richards. The highway was closed for approximately two hours.
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