A Grants Pass man accused of driving under the influence is hospitalized with serious injuries after allegedly fleeing law enforcement, driving the wrong way on Interstate 5 and crashing head-on into an SUV Sunday night near Rogue River.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Ivan Grover Barber Jr., 43, of Grants Pass, faces multiple charges including driving under the influence of intoxicants, third-degree assault, reckless driving, recklessly endangering, felony elude and second-degree criminal mischief.
The incident began around 10:39 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, when a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup in the 6400 block of Rogue River Highway.
Authorities said the driver fled eastbound at a high rate of speed toward Rogue River. Deputies ended the pursuit before reaching city limits because of safety concerns.
A Rogue River police officer later deployed spike strips, damaging the truck. Investigators say Barber continued driving despite the disabled vehicle and entered Interstate 5 traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.
The truck then collided head-on with an oncoming SUV, destroying both vehicles.
The driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries, according to officials.
Responders from Jackson County Fire District 1 and American Medical Response arrived at the scene and extricated Barber from the wreckage before transporting him to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The Oregon State Police is leading the crash investigation. The case remains open and additional information has not been released.
Authorities have not indicated when Barber may be lodged in jail or appear in court due to his medical condition.
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