Appleton man charged with DUI after pickup rollover near Dufur
Washington man cited for DUII after Highway 197 rollover near Dufur; troopers say driver denied driving despite witness account and blood alcohol above legal limit.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026 — An Appleton, Washington, man was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants after a rollover crash late Tuesday night on U.S. Highway 197 south of The Dalles, according to Oregon State Police.
Trooper Isaac Oakes responded at about 10:48 p.m. Feb. 17 to a single-vehicle rollover near milepost 15. Troopers found a black Ford F-150 pickup that had rolled at least once before coming to rest on its wheels down an embankment. The crash did not block the roadway.
A witness reported seeing the pickup traveling too fast for conditions before losing control. Troopers said evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle sideswiped a guardrail, crossed the northbound lane and traveled down an embankment in an uncontrolled yaw before striking vegetation and rolling.
The driver, identified as Anthony James Berge, 39, of Appleton, Washington, reportedly claimed he was not driving, but a witness told troopers no one was seen leaving the scene. Troopers searched the area and located Berge’s dog nearby uninjured. The animal was transported to the Columbia Gorge Humane Society.
Troopers reported observing several indicators of impairment during contact with Berge, and an open container of alcohol was visible inside the vehicle. Berge was transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for treatment of serious injuries.
Hospital staff later informed troopers that Berge’s blood alcohol content measured 0.103%, which is 0.02 above Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08% for drivers. Troopers obtained a warrant for a blood sample, which was collected as part of the investigation.
Berge was issued criminal citations for driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. A charge of obstructing governmental administration was referred to the Wasco County District Attorney for consideration. He was released to the care of hospital staff.
The vehicle was towed from the scene by River’s Edge Towing.
