OSP: Car Nearly Sideswipes Trooper's Vehicle, Wrecks

An Idaho man is in critical condition following a Wednesday night crash south of Jordan Valley in which he nearly hit an Oregon State Police trooper's patrol car before traveling off Highway 95 and rolling several times. Alcohol is a possible contributing factor.

At 11:33 p.m. Wednesday, OSP Trooper Kurt Marvin was patrolling northbound on Highway 95 near milepost 46 when he spotted a vehicle traveling southbound toward his patrol car at a high speed. Marvin obtained a speed reading of 82 mph in a 55 mph zone, slowed down to turn and stop the vehicle when it suddenly swerved into the northbound lane. Marvin swerved to avoid a collision and the vehicle nearly sideswiped the patrol car's passenger side before traveling off the highway and rolling several times.

Marvin found an unconscious male lying on the ground in front of the vehicle. The trooper began providing medical aid while awaiting emergency medical responders.

After about one hour a Jordan Valley ambulance and Air St. Luke's medical helicopter arrived on scene. The critically injured unidentified driver was taken by air to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.

Further investigation on Thursday confirmed the man's identity as Enrique Casas Valdez, 41, from Kuna, Idaho. The man's next of kin have been notified.