Driver Crashes Into Business, Administered Narcan

Authorities say the driver was unconscious and had methamphetamine in his vehicle.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic baggie containing a white crystalline substance, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the methamphetamine found in the driver's vehicle.The discovery of methamphetamine in the driver's vehicle underscores the ongoing challenges communities face with substance abuse and impaired driving.Grand Junction Today

A 36-year-old man named Eugene Graham allegedly crashed his vehicle into a business in Orchard Mesa, Colorado, striking a light pole and three parked cars before coming to a stop inside the Smoker Friendly store. When police arrived, they found Graham unconscious behind the wheel and administered two doses of Narcan. A small baggie of methamphetamine and a glass pipe were also discovered in the vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and drug use, which can have devastating consequences for both the driver and the public. The use of Narcan by law enforcement is becoming more common as they respond to overdose situations, underscoring the need for greater access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, when police arrived at the scene, they found a 'vehicle-sized hole' in the wall of the Smoker Friendly store and Graham unconscious behind the wheel. After attempts to wake him failed, an officer administered a dose of Narcan. Graham's breathing changed, but he remained unresponsive, leading to a second dose being given. While being placed on a stretcher, Graham finally regained consciousness and asked why he was being taken to the hospital. Police then discovered a small baggie of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in the vehicle.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday night in Orchard Mesa, Colorado.
  • Graham is scheduled to appear in court for a status conference on Friday.

The players

Eugene Graham

A 36-year-old man who was arrested for the incident, including charges of hit and run, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia and a Schedule I/II controlled substance, and driving under the influence.

Grand Junction Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and administered Narcan to the unconscious driver.

Grand Junction Fire and EMS

The emergency medical personnel who arrived on the scene and placed Graham on a stretcher.

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What’s next

Graham is due back in court on Friday for a status conference, where the judge will likely determine the next steps in his case.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges communities face with impaired driving and drug use, and the critical role first responders play in addressing these issues through the use of life-saving interventions like Narcan. It also highlights the need for greater access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services to prevent such incidents from occurring.