I-5 Wrong Way Drunk Driver Crashes Head-On with SUV

ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (May 17, 2026) — A suspected drunk driver is hospitalized with serious injuries after traveling the wrong way on Interstate 5 and colliding head-on with an oncoming SUV late Sunday night, according to law enforcement.

The suspect, identified as Ivan Grover Barber Jr., 43, of Grants Pass, is facing multiple charges including driving under the influence of intoxicants, third-degree assault, reckless driving, recklessly endangering, felony elude, and second-degree criminal mischief. Authorities said Barber remains hospitalized with serious injuries following the crash.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), the incident began at approximately 10:39 p.m. on May 17, when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup in the 6400 block of Rogue River Highway. The driver failed to yield and instead fled eastbound at high speed toward the city of Rogue River.

Due to safety concerns, the pursuit was terminated before the vehicle entered city limits. However, officers with the Rogue River Police Department later deployed spike strips, which successfully disabled the truck.

Despite the disabled vehicle, Barber allegedly continued driving and entered Interstate 5 traveling northbound in the southbound lanes, moving against traffic. Moments later, the pickup collided head-on with an SUV. The impact totaled both vehicles and resulted in minor injuries to the SUV driver.

Emergency responders from Jackson County Fire District 1 and American Medical Response arrived at the scene, extricating Barber from the wreckage and transporting him to a local hospital.

The investigation into the crash is being led by the Oregon State Police. Officials said the case remains active and ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.