East Wenatchee Police Officer James Marshall On 'Administrative Reassignment' Following Oregon Coast Crash
Alcohol had been consumed that day but Marshall's friend, attorney John Brangwin, denied it was a factor that led to the accident
In July, East Wenatchee Police Sergeant James Marshall was on vacation on the Oregon Coast, in Coos County, where he was involved in a side-by-side crash. According to sources familiar with the incident, there were two passengers in the vehicle, Marshall was driving and he had been drinking that day.
East Wenatchee Police Chief Rick Johnson said there are currently two investigations into the matter underway, one is internal and being conducted by EWPD. The other is being conducted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnson said it’s important to note they are separate.
“We understand the importance of open communication and trust with the public and we’re dedicated to providing accurate information in a timely manner when we can do so,” he said. “In situations such as this policies dictate an internal investigation be conducted.”
He said he could not comment on whether there was alcohol involved until the investigations are finished. He also said he could not comment on the extent of Marshall’s injuries.
But John Brangwin, a lawyer and friend of Marshall, said he broke his back and had to be airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland. There, he spent 10 days in the hospital and he will need physical therapy and time to recover before he can go back to full duty, Brangwin said. Marshall’s passengers sustained minor injuries.
As far as alcohol, Brangwin doesn’t deny it was consumed that day but says it was not a factor that led to the crash.