WALDPORT – A 60-year-old Waldport man who drove his truck into the Alsea River on Wednesday and needed a specialized rescue team to get him to safety has been cited by police for drunk and reckless driving.
Oregon State Police cited Ricky A. Woosley on the two charges after he was taken to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital following the 6:30 p.m. Wednesday incident.
Police said Woosley was westbound in his pickup on Highway 34 when he drove into the river at about the 1.5 mile marker. Crews from Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue and Yachats Rural Fire Protection District responded, but had to call in the Lincoln County rope rescue team to get Woosley 30 feet up the steep bank.
The truck was partially submerged in the river, Trooper Jermey Gray said in his report.
COCF&R Chief Jamie Mason said the highway was closed for an hour while the rope rescue team set up its gear and retrieved Woosley.
