An allegedly drunk driver weaving through Sandy this week did more than catch another motorist's eye. An Oregon State Police trooper who pulled the vehicle over ended up arresting the driver on suspicion of DUII and finding a haul of weapons and oddities that included a .357 magnum with a partially obliterated serial number, a stolen .22 caliber revolver, ammunition, a machete, a less-lethal double-barreled sawed-off shotgun, and, for good measure, a crystal ball.
According to a Facebook post from the Oregon State Police, a Government Camp patrol trooper stopped the vehicle after an observant driver reported it was swerving, tailgating, and making sudden speed changes on the roadway, according to the Oregon State Police.
What Troopers Say They Pulled From The Car
In its post, OSP said a search of the vehicle turned up multiple weapons along with that unexpected crystal ball. The list included the .357 with the partially obliterated serial number, a .22 caliber revolver that troopers identified as stolen, additional ammunition, the machete and a less-lethal double-barrel sawed-off shotgun, according to Oregon State Police.
The agency also highlighted the role of the caller who reported the erratic driving. As the post put it, "an observant individual reported the driving complaint that led to the stop," which put the trooper in position to step in and make the arrest, according to Oregon State Police.
How To Report Dangerous Driving In Oregon
OSP used the incident as another reminder that members of the public can report dangerous driving on Oregon highways by dialing *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone or by contacting regional dispatch, according to Oregon State Police. The agency has repeatedly urged motorists to speak up when they see aggressive or impaired driving so troopers have a chance to intervene before a crash.
What Could Happen Next Legally
The driver was booked on suspicion of DUII, and OSP's post did not list any additional charges. Under Oregon law, theft involving a firearm can raise the stakes. Theft that involves a firearm may be prosecuted as first-degree theft under Oregon Legislature, and courts generally aim to return recovered stolen firearms to their lawful owners rather than order forfeiture, according to FindLaw.
OSP did not release the driver's name in the social media post. Investigators will determine whether the presence of the stolen firearm or the other recovered items results in any supplemental charges. For more details on how to report suspected impaired or dangerous drivers, the agency directs the public to its contact page linked above.
