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Bend Police investigated an injury motor vehicle crash at Clausen Drive and North Hwy 97 on January 5, 2020 around 8:04 p.m. involving Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy Clint Baltzor. Deputy Baltzor was traveling in the northbound lanes with his lights and siren on en route to a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. call out in Terrebonne, when the crash occurred. A black Nissan Rogue, driven by Scott Senn was in front of Deputy Baltzor and Senn attempted to yield right but was unable to as there was a vehicle in the right lane, which caused him to yield left instead. There was a concrete barrier on the left, which prevented Senn from yielding to the left. Deputy Baltzor’s patrol vehicle struck the Nissan Rogue, which then struck a blue/green Honda Odyssey driven by Chad Elliott.
After a thorough investigation, which included obtaining speed data from the analytical report from the Airbag Control Module located inside of the Dodge Durango Deputy Baltzor was driving, it was determined that Deputy Baltzor’s speed was the primary factor and cause for the collision as reflected in the officers report.
It was the opinion of the investigators that Deputy Baltzor violated Oregon Revised Statute 820.320 “Illegal Operation of an Emergency Vehicle” which section G states, “the driver of an emergency vehicle or ambulance must not exceed any designated speed limit to an extent which endangers persons or property.” Deputy Baltzor was issued a citation on February 24, 2020.
Submitted by: Lt. Juli McConkey
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Driver of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Vehicle: Deputy Clint Baltzor
2018 Dodge Durango
Driver of Nissan Rouge: Scott Senn, 55 year old male, Lake Oswego resident
2018 Nissan Rouge
Driver of Honda Odyssey: Chad Elliott, 26 year old male, Terrebonne resident
2004 Honda Odyssey
The Bend Police responded to an injury motor vehicle crash around 8:04 p.m. involving a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputy at North Highway 97 and Clausen Drive. The Deputy was traveling in the north bound lanes with his lights and siren on, en route to a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. call out in Terrebonne. A black Nissan Rouge, driven by Scott Senn, was in front of him and attempted to yield right but was unable to as there was a vehicle in the right lane, which caused him to yield left instead. Deputy Baltzor’s patrol vehicle struck the Nissan Rouge which then struck a blue/green Honda Odyssey, driven by Chad Eliott. Deputy Baltzor checked on all occupants and was tending to Scott Senn when officers arrived on scene. All three vehicles involved were in the left lane of travel on Highway 97.
All drivers were transported by Bend Fire & Rescue to St. Charles Health Systems in Bend for non-life threatening injuries, where they were treated and released. ODOT and OSP responded and assisted Bend Police with the investigation. All of the involved vehicles were towed from the scene and the highway was reopened after about an hour.
This case is still under investigation. No citations have been issued.
Submitted by: Lt. Juli McConkey