Douglas County Crash Leaves Passenger Dead as Police Seek Armed DUI Suspect

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — A warrant was issued for the arrest of a Merlin, Douglas County man, 65-year-old Craig Hindle, on Thursday. Hindle faces six charges arising from the fatal crash in April that resulted in the death of his passenger.

Oregon State Police indicated that Hindle veered off the road and hit a tree in a Chevrolet Tahoe on Highway 138 East in Douglas County. His 34-year-old passenger, Scoti Allena Hoadley of Grants Pass, was not wearing a seatbelt. She died at the scene.

Police reported that Hindle was under the influence of alcohol and/or cannabis during the crash. He is charged with second-degree manslaughter, DUII, and reckless driving, as well as unlawful possession of a short-barreled firearm and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.