Moro man hits power pole, cited for DUII; initial tests show ‘extreme’ alcohol impairment
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026 — A Moro man was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants after crashing into a power pole east of Wasco with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to Oregon State Police.
Trooper Jason Mitro assisted the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Feb. 13, at a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Beacon Road and Emigrant Springs Lane - rural farm roads east of Wasco. Troopers said a blue 2000 Dodge Ram left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a power pole.
The driver, identified as Austin Daniel Olson, 22, of Moro, reportedly displayed several indicators of impairment and admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash. A passenger, identified as Hunter Jeffery Kaseberg, 25, of Wasco, sustained minor injuries.
Olson was transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for medical treatment. Troopers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, and hospital testing showed Olson’s blood alcohol content was 0.258%, more than three times Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Olson was issued criminal citations for DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering another person. He was released to the care of hospital staff.
Sherman County Sheriff’s Office is leading the crash investigation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or higher face exponentially increased crash risk, making Olson’s measured level of 0.258% indicative of extreme impairment.
