Two Seriously Injured in DUII Crash

CENTRAL POINT – A Medford man is lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges related to a two-vehicle crash that seriously injured a Klamath Falls couple. Jose Guadalupe Medina-Galan, 21, is charged with two counts of assault in the second degree, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, two counts of failure to perform the duties of a driver when persons are injured, and resisting arrest. A judge set bail at $250,000. A grand jury will hear the case later today.

On Sunday, August 20, at 6:07pm, deputies responded to a crash on North Foothill Road near East Vilas Road. Deputies learned a southbound red 1996 Chevrolet pickup lost control, crossed the center line, and slid sideways into the path of a northbound motorcycle. Both the operator and passenger of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries. The multi-agency Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team assisted with the investigation.

Detectives say the driver of the red pickup, Medina-Galan, initially stopped near the crash scene to let two passengers out of the vehicle, and then continued on North Foothill Road. The vehicle stopped about one-half mile away, disabled due to damage sustained in the crash. Deputies found the driver, Medina-Galan, and took him into custody. He was visibly intoxicated and combative with deputies. Medina-Galan was not injured in the crash.

The motorcycle was operated by Zachary James Toll, 28. He was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The passenger, Chelsea Quinn Gamble, 27, was transported by air to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland, where she remains in serious condition. Gamble’s extensive injuries include an amputation of one arm and a partial amputation of one leg.

Detectives are seeking information from additional witnesses. Medina-Galan reportedly was driving recklessly just prior to the crash during a "road rage" incident with another vehicle on North Foothill Road. The other vehicle was described as being a small car, possibly a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Detectives would like to speak with the driver and any passengers who were in the car.

Anyone with information can call Detective Steve Bohn at (541) 774-6168 and refer to case 17-17771.