ONTARIO, Oregon -- Nearly two dozen people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a bandstand in Ontario Saturday afternoon.
It happened just after 2:30 p.m.
Spectators at Lions Park were watching cultural entertainment that was set up on the main stage for the America's Global Village Festival. Witnesses told KTVB the bleachers were full when a car drove around the side of the stage and hit the bleachers.
"It appears the driver came in through that area, took the stairs off and ended up hitting the bleachers," said Malheur County District Attorney Dan Norris.
According to Elizabeth Duncan with Saint Alphonsus, 23 people were taken to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Ontario. Another victim was taken to Saint Alphonsus in Boise, where they were listed in critical condition. The victims ranged in age from a 3-year-old to senior citizens. Duncan said it appears the injuries were non life threatening.
Witness Irma Hill said she was so scared she didn't get a good look at the driver. Hill said she was crying and looking for her family.
Police have taken 19-year-old Jaime Everardo of Malheur County into custody. They are investigating as to whether he was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the crash.
The Ontario Police Department is looking for video clips of the incident. If you have a video of the incident, you are encouraged to drop it by the police station or call them at (541)889-7266.
