An Oregon county sheriff arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence last year was later driven home by another sheriff — the supervisor of the deputies who took him into custody — according to newly released investigative records.
Umatilla County Sheriff Terry L. Rowan was pulled over on May 16, 2025, after multiple motorists reported a white pickup speeding, swerving across lanes and nearly causing collisions on highways in northern Oregon. Deputies later clocked the vehicle traveling at 91 mph on Interstate 84 and observed it drifting between lanes and onto the shoulder.
When officers initiated the stop, Rowan activated red and blue emergency lights on his unmarked sheriff’s vehicle — a signal typically used by law enforcement to identify themselves to other officers.
Deputies noted signs of impairment, including glossy eyes and the smell of alcohol. Rowan denied drinking, attributing his driving to back pain and medication. However, he failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on suspicion of DUII.
At the station, authorities said Rowan repeatedly placed nicotine pouches in his mouth during the observation period before a breath test — a step officers monitor closely to ensure accuracy. After restarting the process, Rowan ultimately registered a blood alcohol level of 0.19%, more than twice the legal limit.
Instead of going to jail, Rowan was allowed to call for a sober ride. He contacted Gilliam County Sheriff Gary Bettencourt — the head of the same department whose deputies arrested him — who then picked him up in a personal vehicle.
Bettencourt later defended his actions, saying he did not interfere with the investigation and simply helped a longtime friend. He also stated he was off duty and not carrying his badge or weapon at the time.
Rowan later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUII charge and is expected to complete a diversion program. Despite the arrest, he remains in office and did not face the standard 90-day license suspension typically imposed on first-time offenders.
The case has drawn criticism from some community members, including a recall effort and a formal complaint alleging misconduct. Critics argue Rowan’s use of emergency lights and behavior during testing should have resulted in additional charges.
Prosecutors, however, declined to pursue misconduct allegations, noting Rowan was off duty and that the evidence did not support further criminal charges.
A separate professional standards investigation into Rowan’s conduct remains ongoing.
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