Man crashes ATV with toddler on board

JEFFERSON, Ore. – A man and toddler were hurt after they were thrown off an ATV on Sunday.

“It was a pretty violent roll,” said Glen Tilley, who witnessed the crash.

Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies said 36-year-old John Pollard drove while intoxicated with a child who was not even 2 years old.

Eyewitnesses and sheriff’s deputies said Pollard got on the ATV and took off down Jefferson-Scio Road with the 23-month-old toddler hanging on.

Pollard drove a couple hundred feet to Wall Lane when he turned and went down the road. Tilley said Pollard’s ATV began to fishtail, tumbling and rolling several times.

“Just rocks and dirt flying everywhere,” said Tilley.

By the time Tilley went to help, Pollard had picked up the toddler in his arms and was back on the ATV headed back to his home.

Authorities said Pollard violated a list of rules for riding ATVs including not wearing a helmet, having a child on board, driving on the street and driving while intoxicated.

The toddler is in serious condition at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Pollard has not yet been charged, but authorities said that could change after the district attorney’s office finishes their investigation.