On Friday September 2, 2016 at 6:35 p.m., Newport Police Officers responded to a possible motor vehicle crash with injury on Highway 101 near milepost 137 (Agate Beach area). The crash was called in by a Lincoln City Police Officer that was traveling through the area. Subsequent investigation concluded that Catherine F. Koch, age 35 of Depoe Bay, was traveling northbound on Highway 101. In the area of Agate Beach, and while attempting to overtake a vehicle, Koch and executed an unlawful pass over a double yellow line, in a designated Safety Corridor. As Koch re-entered the northbound travel lane, she impacted the left front of a pickup traveling north.

The pickup was operated by a 51-year-old female from Newport. Following impact, Koch’s vehicle left the roadway in an uncontrolled manner, went approximately fifteen feet down an embankment on the east shoulder, and came to rest after striking a tree. Travel through the area was restricted to one lane for approximately 30 minutes as Koch was extricated from the vehicle by the Newport Fire Department. She was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. She was evaluated for possible injuries, and released. Following an investigation by a Newport Police Officer, Koch was taken into custody and charged with DUII, Reckless Driving, and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. Her bail was set at $45,000.