Intoxicated 21 Year Old Speeds Down Corvallis Sidewalks In Attempt To Elude Officers - 03/13/26
On October 15, 2025 at 11:00 PM, Maria Johnson is seen by CPD Officer Donny Sheldon in downtown Corvallis, driving poorly without her lights. Johnson then quickly turned onto a one way street heading in the wrong direction. When Sheldon activated his overhead lights, Johnson accelerated, lost control of her vehicle, and hit a parked car. She then drove onto the sidewalk and sped the length of the block, while pedestrians screamed and scattered to avoid being struck. Johnson continued to speed through town, again driving up on a sidewalk, and finally coming to a stop as a result of her vehicle becoming disabled. Ignoring officer commands, she got out of her car and ran, attempting to scale a fence. She was quickly caught and taken into custody by Sheldon and another officer.
Once taken into custody, Johnson offered in explanation of her eluding that she was scared because “the police were chasing me.” She went on to say “I’ll definitely tell you I’m definitely gonna get a DUI tonight.” Her prediction was correct.
Less than an hour after driving, Johnson’s blood alcohol level was determined to be a .14%. Under Oregon law, a person is guilty of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants if their blood alcohol level is a .08% at the time of driving, or their mental or physical faculties are “adversely affected to a noticeable or perceptible degree” by alcohol or another intoxicant. In regards to Johnson, both were true.
Johnson appeared for sentencing before the Honorable Keri J. Smith on March 13. She pled guilty to Felony Attempt to Elude a Police Officer, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver. She would have been eligible for Diversion (a non-conviction resolution) on the DUII, but Deputy District Attorney Steaphan Clement objected, insisting on a DUII conviction because of Johnson’s extremely dangerous driving. At sentencing, DDA Clement requested the Court impose a total of 20 days jail. However, Judge Smith opted to sentence her to a total of 30 days work crew, fined her $1,255, suspended her driver license for one year, and placed her on supervised probation for 18 months. She will also be required to get an evaluation for drug and alcohol abuse and complete recommended treatment. Finally, Johnson will have to complete a Victim Impact Panel that will educate her on how DUII related crashes negatively impact the lives of victims.
“We are lucky that all we ended up with here was some property damage. Property can be replaced; lives cannot.” Ryan Joslin, Benton County District Attorney. “If you have had too much, be safe, request a ride; when morning comes, you will be glad you did.”