March 22, 2024 — Redmond, Oregon A Subaru SUV driven by Katrina Nicole Dacus of Culver struck the side of a Baker School District mini-bus carrying 14 Future Farmers of America (FFA) students on U.S. Highway 126 near Helmholtz Way, injuring four students and sending the bus into a roadside ditch.
The crash happened around 9:25 p.m. when Dacus, then 34, allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with the westbound bus returning from a state FFA convention, according to Oregon State Police.
Three students were hospitalized with minor injuries; one remained under care the next day at St. Charles Bend. Dacus was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), reckless driving, 15 counts of recklessly endangering another person, and three counts of fourth-degree assault.
Baker School District Superintendent Erin Lair stated:
We are so very grateful for fantastic first responders, caring and skilled staff, and parents helping our kids. Buses really do a spectacular job keeping students safe when collisions happen. We will get our students home and celebrate their incredible showing in the competition. There’s just absolutely no excuse for driving drunk.
The bus driver, Lisa Gifft, and students had no serious injuries, but the incident left lasting effects, with some FFA members reporting ongoing trauma as of April 2025, per the Redmond Spokesman.
Charges escalated after prosecutors learned of additional injuries. A grand jury indicted Dacus on December 19, 2024, on 29 counts, including two Class B felony counts of third-degree assault, 15 misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person, nine counts of fourth-degree assault, and one count each of reckless driving, DUII, and second-degree criminal mischief, according to Rogue Valley Times.
Court proceedings faced multiple delays. Plea hearings were postponed several times for victim consultations and plea negotiations.
A trial scheduled for later was delayed again in August 2025, as reported by the Redmond Spokesman. Dacus, now 36, was set for a plea entry on February 24, 2025, in Deschutes County Circuit Court.
The crumpled bus was later displayed at Baker High School in May 2024 to educate on drunk driving dangers, per Rogue Valley Times.
Deputy District Attorney Joseph A. Langerman cited new injury information and victim consultations as reasons for delays in motions filed in 2024.
