Head-On Crash on Stayton Scio Road Sends Two to Hospital; Driver Arrested on DUII Charges

STAYTON, Ore. – A head-on collision on Stayton Scio Road on May 17, 2026, left two people injured and resulted in the arrest of a Woodburn man on multiple charges, according to Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan.

At approximately 9:17 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received reports of a two-vehicle crash on Stayton Scio Road near Stayton. Callers indicated both vehicles were blocking a bridge and that occupants were trapped inside.

Deputies arriving at the scene found the bridge leading into Stayton from Linn County fully blocked. Emergency personnel with the Stayton Fire District were actively working to extricate one of the drivers, later identified as Daniel Harnden, 77, of Stayton, from a black Chrysler 300.

Harnden was transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. Authorities later confirmed his injuries, while serious, are believed to be non-life-threatening.

The second driver, identified as Christian Ramon-Carbajal, 31, of Woodburn, was operating a Hummer H3. Deputies reported Ramon-Carbajal showed signs of impairment at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, Ramon-Carbajal was traveling southbound on Stayton Scio Road when he struck a curb, crossed into the opposite lane of travel, and collided head-on with Harnden’s vehicle. Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage.

Ramon-Carbajal sustained minor injuries and was transported to Santiam Hospital for treatment. Following investigation at the scene, deputies determined impairment was a contributing factor in the crash.

Once medically cleared, Ramon-Carbajal was transported to the Linn County Jail where he was lodged on multiple charges, including Assault in the Second Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Reckless Driving. He was also cited for Driving Without an Operator’s License and Failure to Use an Ignition Interlock Device.

The crash remains under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Stayton Police Department, Sublimity Fire District, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Road Department, Linn County Road Department, and Santiam Hospital paramedics.