'This Is a Wake up Call': Oregon Lawmaker Apologizes After DUII Arrest
Polk County prosecutors say the 56-year-old lawmaker’s breath test registered 0.16%, about twice the legal limit, after a reported hit-and-run.
- State Representative Paul Evans was arrested early Sunday, October 4, in Independence and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and failing to stop after property damage, Polk County Circuit Court records show.
- Independence Police officer Reed Chorbajian reported finding Evans with a damaged Jeep after striking a stop sign at 1:45 a.m.; a breathalyzer test recorded 0.16% blood alcohol, double Oregon's legal limit.
- Evans admitted to a "very poor decision" in a statement, citing struggles with PTSD as a veteran. Judge Norman Hill approved his request to attend a 30 to 45-day treatment facility in Arizona starting October 9.
- House Speaker Julie Fahey stated she supports Evans taking time for recovery, while campaign manager Jennifer Ranstrom-Smith confirmed he will continue seeking reelection to House District 20 with an October 28 court appearance.
- Court filings indicate Evans requested a DUII Diversion Agreement to avoid trial, though this is his first DUI charge. The incident complicates his bid for a seventh consecutive term in the November 2026 election.
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12 Articles
Deep Blue State Democrat Arrested And Arraigned - The American Tribune.com
Oregon state Rep. Paul Evans (D-Monmouth) was officially arraigned on October 5, 2026 in Polk County Circuit Court on charges that included driving while under the influence of intoxicants. Evans, who has served as a state legislator since 2015, was taken into police custody on October 4 and was also charged with failure to perform [...]
Nisqually Valley News
Oregon Capital ChronicleOregon state Rep. Paul Evans accused of drunken hit-and-run with stop sign in Independence
State Rep. Paul Evans was arrested this weekend and is accused of driving drunk and damaging a stop sign in Independence, Polk County Circuit Court records show. Independence Police officers took Evans into custody early Sunday, Oct. 4, morning after a reported hit-and-run at an intersection. He was released Monday morning, according to court records. Evans, D-Monmouth, was arrested around 2:45 a.m., and just after 4 a.m. his blood alcohol was m…
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