ROGUE RIVER, Ore. — A 40-year-old man from Rogue River is facing multiple charges after allegedly striking a woman with his vehicle while she was walking along Queens Branch Road on the evening of January 26.
According to a press release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the woman was attempting to gain control of her horse when the car collided with her. The impact caused major injuries, and the woman was transported to a local hospital. Thankfully, she remains in stable condition. The horse, however, was uninjured in the crash.
The driver, later identified as Jason Allan Baker, reportedly fled the scene at a high rate of speed without stopping to offer assistance. Investigators say Baker attempted to cover his tracks by reporting his car as stolen on January 28, days after the crash. However, deputies soon discovered evidence at the scene that linked the vehicle to the incident, and further investigation revealed that the car was not stolen. Baker had allegedly filed a false police report.
Baker was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on January 28. He is facing charges that include second-degree assault, felony hit-and-run, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, tampering with evidence, aggravated driving while suspended, and initiating a false police report. His bail has been set at $100,000.
This is not Baker’s first brush with the law. Records indicate that he has a history of at least fourteen prior charges across several counties, including criminal driving while suspended, careless driving, and menacing. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the severity of the charges and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for the victim.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.