Driver Endangers Oregon Coast Beachgoers, Lincoln City Police Make Arrest for DUI

Published 01/26/25 at 6:26 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – Late in the day Saturday, some visitors to Lincoln City found themselves in a dangerous situation instead of a relaxing day at the beach when an allegedly-drunk driver began speeding on the shoreline. The driver also broke laws that prohibit driving on Oregon coast beaches, which is illegal in all but a handful of accesses along the 362 miles of coast.

Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) said the Lincoln City Police Dispatch Center began receiving calls from multiple people at the D River beach area that a vehicle was not only driving on the beach but also speeding and driving recklessly. On top of those concerns, all this happened after dark.

“The driver departed southbound at a high rate of speed prior to police arrival,” LCPD said. “At the time, numerous families were enjoying bonfires in the area and witnesses reported it nearly missing people. The driver was also driving 'cookies' along the beach.”

A short time later, LCPD discovered the vehicle on another beach just south of the Canyon Drive Beach Access. As officers approached, the car took off and began driving erratically – with the rear hatch still open. LCPD said a half-full bottle of vodka fell out onto the sand.

Eventually, the driver pulled over and police detained him.

LCPD said they arrested Artem A. Savenko, of Beaverton Oregon, on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. The latter pertains to the multiple people whom he put in danger, police said.

D River area at night / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

“Savenko’s vehicle was impounded and he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail to be lodged,” LCPD said.

There is only one beach in Lincoln City that allows driving on the sands, and that's only at certain times of the year. In the vast majority of places along the Oregon coast it is prohibited. Some of the few that allow driving are are parts of Fort Stevens near Warrenton, on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and just north of Pacific City, among a couple of others. Otherwise, all towns such as Oceanside, Gold Beach, Newport, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Florence or Manzanita and their nearby beaches do not allow it.

LCPD emphasized that Lincoln City's beaches are there for the enjoyment of all, but if someone puts the public in danger they will respond.

Also see Addressing the Oregon Coast Rumor: No, Taft is Not a Town Separate from Lincoln City - Taft is a district in Lincoln City. Check out why and how

“We would like to emphasize that Lincoln City’s beaches are here for public enjoyment; however, when drivers put people in danger, our Officers will investigate and enforce the law,” they said. “Luckily nobody was hurt during this incident, but it is a reminder of the danger that intoxicated drivers pose to the public. Alcohol impairs portions of the brain associated with decision-making and judgment. Be safe and drive sober.”

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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