Impaired Driver Crashes Into Newport Business

June 8, 2024 at about 4pm, Newport officers were dispatched to the deco district of Newport on SW Coast Hwy on the report of a car that crashed into a building. Upon arrival, officers located a 2005 Gray Kia Amanti crashed into the front of the Red Lotus Music Store. The car had been traveling northbound on Hwy 101, when it veered off the roadway, knocked over a street lamp, and came to rest against the front of the business.

Officers contacted the driver who was identified as 38-year old Christopher Daniel Johnson of Newport.  The investigation revealed Johnson had been traveling northbound on Hwy 101 and last remembered crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Officers on the scene conducted a DUII investigation which determined Johnson was impaired. Johnson was transported to the Lincoln County Jail to be lodged on charges of DUII and the vehicle was towed from the scene. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Officer Werner-Gavrin of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348.