Drunk Driver Causes 4-Car Pileup Outside Eugene

EUGENE, OR — An alleged drunk driver was severely injured early Wednesday when she rear-ended a line of cars stopped in a construction zone west of Eugene, ultimately damaging four cars — including her own — and narrowly missing a construction zone flagger, according to Oregon State Police. Of the four cars involved in the crash, two drivers, police later learned, had no business being behind the wheel in the first place.

Cassidy Ann DeBlois, 25, of Veneta, was reportedly arrested and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, recklessly endangering, and endangering a highway worker. DeBlois, police said, sustained severe injuries in the crash. It's unclear if DeBlois remains in hospital, but she is not currently being held at Lane County jail, according to the jail's online inmate roster.

Oregon State troopers were dispatched just before 2:15 a.m. Aug. 29 to a construction zone along Highway 126W, near milepost 49, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash. After an initial investigation, OSP officials described the moments leading up to the crash as follows:

• A construction zone flagger was holding in place a black 1982 Chevrolet pickup on Highway 126W;
• A silver 1998 Toyota 4Runner pulling a utility trailer was stopped behind the Chevrolet pickup;
• A silver 1991 Toyota Tacoma was stopped behind the Toyota 4Runner and trailer;
• A silver Kia Rio operated by DeBlois was traveling west when it rear-ended the stopped Toyota Tacoma;
• The impact from DeBlois colliding with the Toyota sent the mid-sized pickup into the 4Runner and trailer, which was also forced forward into the Chevy.

The construction zone flagger was not hurt, officials said.

DeBlois reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration level of .17 percent, more than double the legal limit.

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Police reportedly learned through their investigation that Kindra Terese Adams, the 34-year-old Eugene resident driving the 4Runner, actually had a warrant out for her arrest based on a previous misdemeanor DUII conviction from 2010.

Adams, who despite breaking the law was clearly in the wrong place at the wrong time, was arrested and taken to Lane County Jail, where she was charged for driving while suspended and for failing to install an ignition interlock device, a court-mandated breathalyzer that attaches to the ignition and prevents a driver from starting their car if they've been drinking alcohol.

According to court records, Adams was cited earlier this month for the exact same charges while she was traveling through Douglas County.

Coincidentally, DeBlois was also cited earlier this month — the day before Adams — for driving uninsured and for operating a vehicle without driving privileges.

Images via Lane County Sheriff's Office