MEDFORD, Ore. -- A Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputy arrested a Medford woman Tuesday for several crimes after she nearly struck two pedestrians and continued to drive recklessly for miles. Her blood alcohol content was found to be nearly seven times the legal limit for drivers in Oregon.
On February 13, 2018, at 9:37 a.m., dispatch received a call from a driver on South Stage Road near South Columbus Avenue who was following a vehicle that had struck garbage cans on the side of the road. The caller reported the silver 2012 Mercedes Benz SUV nearly struck two people walking on Kings Highway near Garfield Street. The caller followed the vehicle and provided updates to dispatch.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Diane Marie Wilcox, 39, continued toward her home in the 4900-block of Pioneer Road. Witnesses told deputies she passed her driveway and drove into the ditch. She backed out into the roadway, around her driveway entrance, and struck garbage cans on the roadside. Passersby were then able to stop Wilcox from driving until deputies arrived.
Deputies found Wilcox to be extremely intoxicated. Wilcox was not injured in the crash; she was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center by Mercy Flights ambulance due to her level of intoxication. At the hospital, her blood alcohol content was measured at 0.55%.
Deputies cited and released Wilcox to appear in court at a later date so she could receive medical treatment. Charges include DUII-alcohol, driving while suspended (misdemeanor), reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person (two counts). She also received traffic citations for driving uninsured, failure to drive within a lane, and driving with an open container of alcohol. Her vehicle was impounded and towed from the scene.
Deputies learned Wilcox drove from her home to the Taco Bell on Center Drive (near Fred Meyer), and then returned. They would like to hear from anyone who witnessed Wilcox driving.
Deputies also need to identify the pedestrians who were nearly struck. The pedestrians were described as an older couple wearing dark clothing and walking two medium-sized dogs along the northbound lane of Kings Highway, approximately 100 yards south of Garfield Street. Those with information can call the JCSO tip line at (541) 774-8333.
Case #18-3137
Note: Attached mug shot of Wilcox is from a jail lodging in November 2017.