HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) — A 20-year-old man who told investigators he fainted while holding his breath as he drove through an Oregon tunnel, resulting in a three-vehicle crash, has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges.
The Oregonian reports that Daniel Calhoon of Snohomish was arraigned Wednesday in Circuit Court on three counts of fourth-degree assault and one count each of reckless driving and second-degree criminal mischief.
Police say Calhoon, his passenger and two people in an SUV were injured in the May 25 crash at a tunnel on U.S. Highway 26 northwest of Portland.
State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings said at the time he wasn’t sure why Calhoon held his breath, but some people hold their breaths in tunnels as part of a game or superstition. Hastings said Wednesday he had no update.
Authorities say Calhoon showed no signs of intoxication and there was no indication of a medical issue or cellphone use.
