Officers, DUII suspect injured by downed trees during Christmas windstorm

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Coos County Sheriff’s Deputy, one Bandon Police officer and a DUII suspect were all injured on Christmas night when a powerful windstorm brought a group of trees crashing down onto multiple patrol vehicles on Batson Lane near Highway 101 in Bandon, Ore.

The DUII suspect was knocked unconscious, and Deputy Adam Burgo and Officer Zachary Carpenter were also struck by the falling debris. Burgo and Sgt. Jon Boswell gave the injured suspect medical care before paramedics arrived at the scene.

“The driver of the involved vehicle, deputy Burgo and officer Carpenter were outside their vehicles when the winds quickly picked up, which caused several trees to fall,” the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said. “The falling trees struck them all, including the patrol vehicles, causing substantial vehicle damage.”

The suspect was then taken by ambulance to Bay Area Hospital in Coos County for treatment. As of Thursday afternoon, everyone injured in the accident is doing “okay,” the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said.