Medford, Ore. — Richard Webster Scott made his first court appearance via video conference for his arraignment.
Scott was seen using a wheelchair.
He’s accused of driving the wrong way on I-5 in March, crashing head-on with longtime 911 dispatcher Karen Greenstein’s car and killing her when she was on her way home from work.
Police believe Scott was drunk at the time.
According to Jeremy Markiewicz, Chief Deputy District Attorney at the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, Scott has five prior DUIs in California.
Markiewicz said two of the five DUIs in California were felony DUIs.
“At this point the state is asking for a million dollars bail,” began Markiewicz.
“He’s a danger to the citizens of Jackson County,” he continued.
A felony DUI differs from a misdemeanor in that they are more serious in nature. In many cases, a felony DUI usually points to habitual drunk driving or that someone was hurt.
That’s what prompted Markiewicz’s request for one-million dollars bail.
“Did you say 5 DUIs” asked Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Barnack.
“That’s correct,” began Markiewicz.
“There may be a 6th, we’re trying to confirm that,” he continued.
Judge Barnack decided to put Scott on $1-million bail, with no matrix, no early release, and no work center.
The case is expected to go before a grand jury early next week.
Richard Webster Scott is charged with first degree manslaughter, reckless driving, reckless endangering and DUII.
A preliminary hearing was also set for May 8th at 4pm.
Count on NBC 5 News to continue following this developing story.
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