Lane County, OR – Several impaired drivers were arrested across Lane County during New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day, prompting renewed safety reminders from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office as residents head into 2026.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies made multiple DUI arrests between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning while responding to traffic complaints and crash reports in Veneta, Creswell, and Eugene. Officials noted the agency does not have dedicated DUI patrol funding but emphasized deputies remain proactive when impaired driving is observed.
The first arrest occurred Wednesday at approximately 11 p.m. when a deputy assigned to the Veneta contract observed an un-plated pickup driving erratically on Territorial Highway near Shuttle Road in Elmira. According to deputies, the driver, Dustin Shane Huff, 44, of Junction City, allegedly showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DUII after a traffic stop.
Later, at 11:45 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch near Cloverdale Road and Sears Road, east of Creswell. Deputies contacted Emily Rayann Hansen, 23, of Creswell, who allegedly exhibited signs of impairment and was arrested for DUII following an investigation.
Just after midnight on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, deputies were dispatched to reports of a damaged vehicle in the River Road area of Eugene. Authorities located a vehicle on Howard Avenue with no front tires and damage to the front end. Deputies contacted Mauricio Salazar Najera, 26, of Eugene, who was arrested for DUII. Deputies were unable to determine where the crash occurred.
The sheriff’s office urged residents to plan ahead, avoid driving under the influence, ensure impaired friends do not drive, and always wear seatbelts.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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