Coquille, Oregon – A late-night crash on Fairview Road downed a utility line, blocking traffic and prompting an investigation.
According to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 11:38 p.m. Friday, April 10, to a motor vehicle crash near Mile Post 5. Dispatchers were told a pole had been struck and a utility line was down.
When deputies and fire personnel arrived, they found a utility line hanging between two poles across the roadway, along with a sheared utility pole, damaged road signs, and a heavily damaged guardrail. Authorities also located an unoccupied red 2025 Chevy Silverado overturned roughly 60 feet down an embankment.
Investigators identified the vehicle as registered to 60-year-old Craig Gurney. Deputies searched the surrounding area and contacted family and associates but were unable to locate him at the time, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Saturday at approximately 3:17 p.m., Gurney contacted Coquille police. After further investigation, he was arrested and charged with failure to perform the duties of a driver and second-degree criminal mischief. He was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and later released on the charges.
The crash caused roadway hazards and required response coordination due to the downed utility line and infrastructure damage. The incident may have impacted overnight drivers using Fairview Road.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. Gurney is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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