Reckless Driving Leads To Fire At Outlet Parking Lot (Photo) -12/09/19

Seaside, Ore. – December 9, 2019 – On Sunday December 8, 2019, at approximately 11:50 p.m., the Seaside Police Department responded to a reckless driving complaint at the Seaside Outlet Mall, 1111 N. Roosevelt.  A motor vehicle had been reported to be “burning cookies” in the parking lot. Due to the type of driving by the operator Ricky Criss, 33, the vehicle’s engine caught fire near the Tesla charging station within the mall parking lot. In addition to Criss’ vehicle, damage to the charging station was also sustained.  

Upon officer arrival, the vehicle was fully involved with flames showing and Criss remained within the vehicle, refusing to get as he wanted to remove personal belongings. The responding officer had to remove Criss from the vehicle and detain him to prevent him from returning to the vehicle and to keep him from injuring himself due to the vehicle fire. Seaside Fire and Rescue responded to the scene a short time later and was able to put out the fire and prevent additional damage from occurring in the immediate area.     

Criss was investigated for driving under the influence of intoxicants and was arrested for that charge as well as reckless driving. Criss provided a breath sample that resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.18%.  

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Cpl. Jeff Oja of the Seaside Police Department at (503) 738-6311.

**end of release**