Lake Oswego, OR (February 19, 2026) – A Lake Oswego police officer was injured early on Tuesday morning after a suspected impaired driver traveling the wrong way crashed into a patrol vehicle on Boones Ferry Rd, authorities said.
The collision occurred on Tuesday, February 17, at approximately 3:10 a.m. near Boones Ferry Rd and Reese Rd. According to the Lake Oswego Police Department, the northbound and southbound lanes in that section of roadway are separated by a concrete median.
Officials reported that a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction collided almost head-on with a marked police cruiser. The officer inside the patrol vehicle was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was later released. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Weinner Santos-Leon, was not injured.
West Linn police assisted at the scene and arrested Santos-Leon on suspicion of fourth-degree assault, driving under the influence, and reckless driving. The incident remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Reported: Tuesday, February 17, at 3:10 a.m.
- Location: Boones Ferry Rd near Reese Rd, Lake Oswego
- Incident Type: Wrong-way crash involving police cruiser
- Injuries: One officer hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries
- Arrest: 22-year-old driver taken into custody
- Charges: Suspicion of DUI, reckless driving, and fourth-degree assault
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred in a section of Boones Ferry Rd divided by a concrete median.
- The suspect vehicle was reportedly traveling the wrong way.
- The collision was described as nearly head-on.
- The injured officer was treated and later released from the hospital.
- West Linn police responded to assist with the incident.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The events leading up to the driver entering the roadway in the wrong direction.
- Whether additional evidence will result in further charges.
- The full extent of damage to the patrol vehicle.
Roadways like Boones Ferry Rd near Reese Rd are divided by medians to separate opposing traffic, which can reduce the risk of head-on crashes. However, wrong-way driving incidents remain especially dangerous, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and reaction times may be reduced. When a patrol vehicle is struck, emergency responders typically secure the scene quickly to protect officers and other motorists. Investigators often review roadway conditions, vehicle positioning, and any available video footage to determine how the crash occurred.
What to Do Next
- If you encounter a vehicle traveling the wrong way, slow down, move safely to the right, and call 911 to report it.
- Remain at the scene of any crash and follow instructions from law enforcement and emergency responders.
- If it is safe, note the time and location and preserve any dashcam footage that may assist investigators.
- Never drive under the influence, as impairment significantly increases the risk of serious or fatal collisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might early details change after a crash is reported?
Initial information is often based on preliminary observations, and updates may follow as investigators collect evidence and statements.
Why are wrong-way crashes especially dangerous?
Vehicles traveling in opposite directions can result in high-impact collisions, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.
What happens after someone is arrested on suspicion of DUI?
Authorities typically conduct further testing and legal proceedings to determine formal charges and court outcomes.
