Deputy takes potential life-saving measure
Yamhill County sheriff's deputy Todd Steele made a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon just west of McMinnville that likely saved a woman's life.
The veteran deputy responded to a report about 3 p.m. of a vehicle driving in the opposite lane of travel on Highway 18, near Cruickshank Road, and forcing vehicles off the road.
Once having stopped the vehicle, Steele determined the unidentified 74-year-old woman was not impaired by alcohol or drugs. McMinnville Fire Department medics responded and examined the woman further. It was determined she was not suffering from a diabetic reaction.
Steele believed the woman should be transported to the Willamette Valley Medical Center. It was determined she was suffering from a brain bleed, and she was transferred to Oregon Health & Science University, where surgery was performed. She is listed in stable condition.
"Deputy Steele did a fantastic job of trusting that sixth sense he has developed over his career" Sheriff Tim Svenson said of the 23-year veteran. "This situation could have had a completely different result."
Svenson said decision making is what makes Steele one of the agency's most valuable assets, and he's a great example for younger deputies.
"Our thoughts are with this woman and her family for a quick recovery," Svenson said.
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