REDMOND — Four students from Baker High School’s FFA club who were competing at the state convention in Redmond were treated for injuries after an SUV hit the school bus they were riding in Friday night, March 22.

Oregon State Police said Katrina Dacus, 34, the driver of the Subaru Ascent which struck the side of the bus, was arrested on a DUII charge. The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. at Highway 126 and Helmholtz Way on the west side of Redmond.

A total of 14 students were on the bus, which is a smaller bus rather than a full-size model.

According to OSP, Dacus was driving south on Helmholtz Road and failed to stop at a stop sign where Helmholtz Road meets Highway 126. Her car hit the school bus on the passenger side.

Dacus is charged with reckless driving, 15 counts of reckless endangering, and three counts of fourth-degree assault in addition to DUII.

Lindsey McDowell, public information and communications coordinator for the Baker School District, said the students had received a superior chapter award earlier on Friday.

“We are so thankful for the emergency responders and medical staff who have cared for the group,” McDowell said. “Parents were notified right away last night, and we’ll certainly be rallying around the students, parents, and staff involved as they continue to heal.”

McDowell said on Saturday morning that one Baker student was still being treated at St. Charles Hospital in Bend.

McDowell said FFA advisory Bibiana Gifft was driving the bus.

Baker School District Superintendent Erin Lair said in a statement:

“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.”

Baker students who received the Oregon FFA State Degree at the 96th state convention on March 22 at Redmond:

Aldo Duran, Colton Clark, Ethan Morgan, John Garcia, Jose Armenta, Julian Garcia, Oakley Anderson, Seth Holden, Sofie Kaaen, Sydney Penning, Taylor Churchfield, Zane Morgan

Other results for Baker students and teams.

Career Development results

Marketing

Baker, 2nd

Agriscience Fair winners

Animal systems

Taylor Johnson, Division 3

Plant systems

Alexandria Honsvick, Divison 3

Social systems

Chase Myatt, Division 3

Proficiency results

Agriscience research, plant systems

Jose Armenta

Chapter book results

Secretary books

Baker, silver medal

State star in agriscience

Jose Armenta