HOOD RIVER COUNTY, Ore. — An Oregon State Police investigation led to the arrest of a Hood River man Wednesday after authorities say he drove through a closed Interstate 84 off-ramp, struck two Oregon Department of Transportation workers, and left the scene.
According to Oregon State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 4:10 a.m. on July 15 at the eastbound Exit 64 off-ramp in Hood River. ODOT crews had closed the ramp while removing a crashed commercial truck and trailer from the roadway.
Investigators said the driver of a white Porsche entered the closed off-ramp despite the closure. The driver reportedly told workers he needed to use the exit to get to work before continuing through the restricted area.
As the vehicle proceeded through the closure, it struck two ODOT workers assigned to the work zone. Neither worker was injured, and both declined medical treatment at the scene.
The driver left before law enforcement officers arrived.
Later that day, at approximately 5:46 p.m., Oregon State Police troopers located the Porsche and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Gregory Adam Polanski, 43, of Hood River, was arrested and lodged at the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR).
Polanski faces charges of reckless driving, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, and recklessly endangering highway workers.
Oregon State Police reminded motorists that highway work zones are established to protect both roadway workers and the traveling public. Drivers are required to obey road closures, traffic control devices, and directions provided by highway workers.
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