News release from the Newport PD. On January 24, 2016 at about 7:50 a.m., Newport Police Officers responded to a single-car crash on the west side of South Coast Hwy at SW Hurbert Street. Officers arrived to find a green 1998 Dodge Caravan in the middle of the intersection facing south. Officers noted that the van had left the road, climbed onto the west sidewalk, and struck a light pole and a fire hydrant before returning to the south bound lane in the intersection. The single occupant of the van had climbed out of the vehicle and was sitting on the sidewalk. He was identified as John Douglas Nason, age 58 of Newport. Nason was having difficulty sitting upright. When he passed out, medical personnel were called. Once personnel from the Newport Fire Department and Pac-West Ambulance arrived, Nason was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for observation. After being medically cleared, Nason was discharged and taken to the Lincoln County Jail where he was charged with Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving, and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. He was also cited for Driving while Suspended, and Driving Uninsured. Bail was set at $37,500.
