A power pole went down causing power lines to drop onto Hwy. 26, and a
sturdy guardrail was not enough to prevent the pickup’s momentum.

A Sandy man was arrested Oct. 18 on several charges after the pickup he was
driving crashed through a guardrail at the corner of the highway and
Lataurelle Avenue, causing power outages and a highway closure that lasted
more than one hour.

Ronald Underwood, 45, of Sandy, attempted to turn across the highway from
the eastbound lane but was unable to complete the turn, according to Oregon
State Police Trooper Tyler Bechtel.

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; and
— 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 Kimberly, 45, was injured. Both
were using safety restraints.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Hoodland Fire Department, ODOT and PGE.