New citation issued in wreck

A Deschutes County Sheriff's Deputy cited Michael Merrell of Bend for reckless driving after an investigation into an August 20 wreck near Sisters on Highway 20.

Kelly Clyde Johnson, 16, of Sisters, escaped serious injury in the accident. According to sheriff's office reports, Johnson lost control of his Volkswagen Jetta when he attempted to pass two cars in front of him, headed eastbound on Highway 20.

Merrell, 16, was driving one of those cars. He allegedly sped up and would not let Johnson past. Johnson reportedly saw oncoming traffic, tried to turn back in and lost control of the vehicle, which rolled and tumbled off the highway and landed on its roof.

Merrell did not stop.

According to sheriff's office reports, the two youths know each other. Merrell reportedly denied speeding up and refusing to let Johnson past. However, eyewitnesses at the scene said that the driver clearly accelerated when Johnson attempted to pass.