Hwy. 361 Fatal, Jefferson Co., Jan. 20

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022 Sergio Suarez Sanchez was arrested after his release from the hospital. He was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail on the following charges: 1. Manslaughter 1st Degree; 2. Manslaughter 2nd Degree; 3. Criminally Negligent Homicide; 4. Assault 3rd Degree (DUII); 5. DUII – Alcohol; 6. Reckless Driving;
7. Reckless Endangering; 8. Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. Original release – On Monday, January 17, 2022, at approximately 10:34 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 361 near milepost 3. Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound black Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Sergio Suarez Sanchez (36) of Madras, crossed into northbound lanes and collided head-on with a gray Ram 3500, operated by John Wallace (60) of Metolius. Both drivers were transported to area hospitals with injuries. The passenger in the Ram truck, Anna Wallace (56) of Metolius, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Hwy 361 was closed for approximately 5 hours for collision reconstruction. This crash is being investigated as a criminal matter. Updates will be given when appropriate. OSP as assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.