Trooper uses cruiser to push Sentra into guardrail after 20-mile chase on I-84
Trooper uses cruiser to push Sentra into guardrail after 20-mile chase on I-84
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., April 30, 2024 — An Oregon City man was arrested after Oregon State Police spiked the tires on his Nissan Sentra and pushed his vehicle into a guardrail during a 20-mile pursuit that ended near Rowena.
Police received reports from drivers that a Nissan Sentra without headlights was failing to drive within the lane and was speeding while westbound on Interstate 84 between Arlington and Rufus, according to the OSP log. The call came in around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.
A State Trooper reported observing the Nissan speeding, swerving, and failing to drive within the lane just west of Bigg’s Junction and was able to pull the vehicle over at Celilo Park.
“The driver’s speech was slow, quiet, and raspy and he was lethargic,” according to the report. “The driver provided a false name. Based on the driving behavior and the observations made at contact there was probable cause to arrest the driver for DUII.”
It was also discovered the driver had a warrant for his arrest in Clackamas County.
But when he was informed that he was under arrest, police say he fled in the Nissan.
The Trooper pursued the Nissan Westbound on I-84 at speeds from 80 to 110 mph.
Spike strips to flatten the Nissan’s tires were successfully deployed in The Dalles and the Nissan’s speed dropped to 25 mph after the tires flattened.
“A Trooper was able to redirect the Sentra into the guardrail resulting in it being stopped,” the log states.
The driver, who was identified as Raymond Anthony Chavez, 36, of Oregon City, was taken into custody.
A small baggy of suspected methamphetamine was located on the driver’s person and a suspected methamphetamine pipe was in the glove box, according to the log.
The vehicle was impounded under Senate Bill 780 for driving while suspended and DUII, the report states. The driver was transported to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for medical clearance where it was determined he needed to remain for further treatment. The driver was cited and released to the care of Adventist staff. The Oregon State Police was assisted by the Wasco County Sheriff's Office and The Dalles Police Department.
Chavez was arrested on suspicion of numerous charges including providing false information to a police officer, attempt to elude, third-degree escape, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fireworks, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Chavez remained in NORCOR jail in The Dalles this morning, April 30, on a hold for the warrant in Clackamas County.
Support Local News
Available to everyone. Funded by readers.
