Baker FFA members attending the state convention in Redmond in March 2024.

A Central Oregon woman was arraigned in Deschutes County Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon, April 17 on 26 misdemeanor charges from a March 22 incident in which the car she was driving crashed into a Baker School District bus carrying 14 students in Redmond.

Katrina Nicole Dacus, 34, of Culver, near Madras, is charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants in the crash that injured several students attending the state FFA convention. Four were treated at a hospital.

According to Oregon State Police, Dacus was driving south on Helmholtz Road, which crosses Oregon Highway 126 on the west side of Redmond.

Dacus failed to stop at a stop sign where Helmholtz Road meets the highway, according to OSP. Her Subaru Ascent SUV hit the bus, which is a short rather than a full-size model, on the passenger side and pushed the bus into a tree.

Baker FFA advisor Bibiana Gifft was driving the bus.

According to a document filed April 16 by Joseph A. Langerman, deputy district attorney for Deschutes County, Dacus’ blood alcohol level was .15 or higher. The legal limit for driving in Oregon is 0.08.

In addition to the DUII charge, which is a Class A misdemeanor, Dacus is accused of:

• 15 counts of recklessly endangering another person, a Class A misdemeanor.

• 8 counts of fourth-degree assault (for injuries a Class A misdemeanor.

• 1 count of second-degree criminal mischief (for damage to the bus), a Class A misdemeanor

• 1 count of reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor.

According to court records, Dacus paid a $1,000 security release fee and was given a conditional release from jail. She also signed an agreement that she would not drink alcohol while the charges are pending, or frequent places where alcohol is “the chief item for sale.” She is required to wear a device that can detect alcohol in her system.

Betty Palmer, acting superintendent for the Baker School District, said the district “remains dedicated to helping our FFA students and staff involved in the collision to heal and are grateful for all those who are advocating for them. We appreciate the swift response of Deschutes County to help bring closure to this unfortunate incident. We also hope that the incident doesn’t overshadow Baker FFA’s amazing successes asthey continue to move forward since the collision.”