On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at approximately 2:30 PM, Lincoln City Police Officer Snidow and K-9 Officer Nix responded to the area of Mile Marker 17 on Highway 20 to assist Oregon State Police in locating a missing driver. The driver, an 81-year-old male, had driven off the embankment of Highway 20 in the area during the prior night. The crash was not discovered until approximately 2:00 PM by a passer-by. Inside the vehicle responders found an elderly female passenger who had suffered a head injury. She was subsequently transported by medical personnel to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.
When Officer Snidow and K-9 Nix arrived, they began searching the area. K-9 Nix quickly located the driver, who walked away after the crash, approximately 100 yards from his vehicle and became stuck in an area of dense blackberries. The driver apparently had a medical episode, and was also transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. This incident highlights the importance of the Police K-9 program available in Lincoln City. As there were no other K-9 units available in the county.
Lincoln City Police Officer Snidow and K-9 Nix were instrumental in locating the driver and ensuring he received medical care. The Lincoln City Police Department is grateful for the community support that allows us to run this beneficial program.
