A high-ranking administrator at Oregon State University was arrested for drunken driving after crashing his car into two neighbors’ garages.

John Cassady, vice president for research, has been charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and fourth-degree assault stemming from the Nov. 18 incident.

Cassady, 68, was driving with his wife, Nancy, also 68, and crashed his 2003 Oldsmobile into two neighbors’ garages near their home on Southwest Fairhaven Court. Police responded around 7:27 p.m.

Cassady had a blood-alcohol content of 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

Two vehicles in neighbors’ garages were damaged in the incident. The criminal mischief charge was related to those damages as well as to the damage to Cassady’s own car.

The assault charge resulted from the fact that Nancy Cassady sustained cuts on her face and hand that required stitches.

Those injuries also may make Cassady ineligible for a diversion program for the DUII charge. According to deputy district attorney John Mason, who is prosecuting the case, if there is an injury involved in an alleged DUII incident, the defendant is not eligible for a diversion program.

Cassady responded to requests for comment in an e-mail relayed by Luanne Lawrence, vice president for university advancement:

“I sincerely regret that a serious personal error in judgment on my part led to an accident involving my spouse and me. I am trying to keep this in perspective without diminishing the seriousness of the incident. This is the first time I have been involved in a situation of this type in my life. I am very thankful that no one was seriously injured. I will be focused on continuing to do my job while dealing with the results of the legal process."

Cassady is talking with OSU President Ed Ray about the incident, but since it wasn’t work-related, no repercussions beyond whatever may be imposed by the legal system are being discussed at this time, Lawrence said.

Cassady’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 11.

Cassady came to OSU in spring 2005 from Ohio State University, where he served as dean of the pharmacy college. He has a background in cancer research, and has taught medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy.

Cassady's office at OSU supports faculty and student research projects, protects the university's intellectual property, handles patents and licensing agreements and ensures that research meets federal compliance regulations and safety and ethical guidelines.

Gwyneth Gibby contributed to this report. Mary Ann Albright covers higher education. She can be reached at maryann.albright@lee.net or 758-9518.