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DESCHUTES COUNTY

Melissa Bryant-Jimenez injured in pedestrian crash on Highway 97

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Vehicle struck woman near the Redmond Safeway

February 02, 2026 | Bend, OR

Redmond authorities responded to a serious pedestrian incident on Highway 97 at Southwest Veterans Way near the Redmond Safeway. 

The crash unfolded around 9:22 p.m., leaving one person with significant injuries.

Pedestrian AccidentMelissa Bryant-Jimenez, 33, of Warm Springs, was seriously injured after being struck by a pickup truck on Highway 97 near Southwest Veterans Way in Redmond.

What Happened in the Crash?

Melissa Bryant-Jimenez, 33, from Warm Springs, was hit by a pickup truck driven by a 24-year-old man. She received immediate medical attention and was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend for treatment of serious injuries.

Key details include:

  • Date and Time: Feb. 2, approximately 9:22 p.m.
  • Location: Highway 97 at Southwest Veterans Way, Redmond, Oregon.
  • Victim: Melissa Bryant-Jimenez, age 33, sustained serious injuries.
  • Vehicle Involved: Pickup truck.
  • Driver: 24-year-old male, arrested on site.
  • Charges: Third-degree assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), with a blood-alcohol concentration exceeding 0.08.
  • Assisting Agency: Oregon State Police crash reconstruction team.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials piece together the sequence of crash.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Impaired driving continues to pose a severe threat on roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-impaired driving claims thousands of lives annually in the United States.

FactorContribution to CrashesSource
Alcohol Impairment28% of all traffic-related deathsCDC
Distracted Driving8% of fatal crashesNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Speeding29% of fatalitiesNHTSA
Pedestrian VulnerabilitiesHigher risk at nightFederal Highway Administration (FHWA)

This table highlights common contributors to such incidents, underscoring the need for vigilance.

Legal Insights

Newsline provides a comprehensive analysis of motor vehicle crashes through insights from national legal analysts. In cases such as this, understanding legal recourse is crucial for affected parties.

“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents causing harm or death to others,” noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways:

  • Impaired drivers risk felony charges, including assault and DUII.
  • Victims' families may pursue civil compensation claims.
  • Legal action can address medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

“Injured parties in collisions often file personal injury claims to recover costs for bills, future care, income loss, trauma, and suffering,” explained Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Insurance providers may resist fair settlements, but experienced representation ensures accountability.”

The National Safety Council reports that impaired driving accounts for about 10% of fatal automobile accidents, ranking as the second-leading cause of such tragedies nationwide.

Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting. 

For transparency, review our Corrections Policy, which guarantees a 24-hour review of any concerns.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.


Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is skilled in handling motorcycle accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs legal guidance.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, Oregon, Highway 97, SW Veterans Way, Redmond Safeway

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Melissa Bryant-Jimenez and family

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