On 4/26/2022 State Police Trooper Kolacz overheard on Lincoln City Police Department’s radio of a possible impaired driver in blue Jeep Wrangler that was headed southbound out of the city. He observed the Jeep and stopped the driver as it was speeding in Lincoln Beach. The driver, was identified as 38-year old Benjamin R. Cupelli of Vancouver Washington and when contacted Trooper Kolacz noted observations of impairment. He performed voluntary field sobriety tests and further observations of impairment were made. Afterward Mr. Cupelli was arrested for DUII and transported to the Lincoln City Police Department where he provided a breath sample indicating a .12 blood alcohol content. Cupelli was cited and released to a location in Depoe Bay.
On 4/27/22 at approximately 430PM state police trooper Severson observed a northbound Ford F15 truck speeding and failing to drive within lane near South Beach State Park on Highway 101. Upon stopping the truck and contacting the driver, identified as 36-year old Brian J. Hughes Trooper Severson observed signs of intoxication. Mr. Hughes refused to perform field sobriety tests and was transported to Lincoln County Jail and consented to provide a breath sample measuring a .23 blood alcohol content, nearly three times the legal limit. Hughes was arrested for DUII alcohol.
