Wrong-Way I-5 Driver Charged After Head-On Crash
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says a Grants Pass man drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 after eluding a deputy and later crashed into an oncoming SUV.
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. — A Grants Pass man is hospitalized with serious injuries after authorities say he drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 and crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV near Rogue River.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began Sunday, May 17, at 10:39 p.m., when a JCSO deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup in the 6400 block of Rogue River Highway.
JCSO said the driver, identified as Ivan Grover Barber Jr., 43, of Grants Pass, eluded eastbound at high speed toward the City of Rogue River. The sheriff’s office said the pursuit was terminated before city limits because of safety concerns.
A Rogue River police officer later deployed spike strips, disabling the truck. JCSO said Barber continued driving and entered Interstate 5 the wrong way, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.
Authorities said Barber then crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV. Both vehicles were totaled, and the SUV driver sustained minor injuries.
Jackson County Fire District 1 and American Medical Response responded to the crash scene. Crews extricated Barber, who was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
JCSO said Barber is charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, third-degree assault, reckless driving, recklessly endangering, felony elude, and second-degree criminal mischief.
The case remains open and ongoing. Oregon State Police is conducting the crash investigation.
Cover image: Emergency responders work at the scene of a head-on crash on Interstate 5 near Rogue River after Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says a wrong-way driver collided with an oncoming SUV. Image from video provided by JCSO.
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