A driver attempting to elude police crashed into a utility pole and then a tree near Arby’s on River Road North.
A 19-year-old Salem man, accused of driving under the influence of intoxicants, tried to elude a Keizer police officer on River Road North and ended up wrapping his Jeep around a tree.
The incident began about 1:15 a.m. Sunday, June 21, a Keizer police officer saw the driver of a silver Jeep Patriot drive through a stop sign in the southeast Keizer and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Instead of stopping, the driver hit the gas and sped away blowing through a second stop sign.
The pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle as it traveled north on Cherry Avenue Northeast. Not long afterward, the vehicle was discovered in the 4500 block of River Road North having crashed through a utility pole and into a tree.
Salem Electric was called to the scene and ensured that the driver could safely be removed from his vehicle. He received non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.
Christian Salinas-Tolento was taken to Salem Hospital where he was cited for attempting to elude an officer, reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and criminal mischief. His bail was set at $30,000.