Freeway Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Man and Recovery of Female Runaway

Police say speeds during the chase reached 100 MPH.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(WILSONVILLE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say troopers arrested a Hillsboro man and detained a 17-year old runaway female passenger Wednesday morning after they attempted to elude police northbound on Interstate 5 for over 25 miles before crashing on Highway 217.

"After crashing, the man tried to elude on foot but was overtaken by troopers and arrested after a brief struggle." Lt. Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police said.

According to Hastings, it began just before 11:00 AM when OSP Senior Trooper Darrin Phillips radar gun clocked a yellow 2004 Mazda MZ3 four-door northbound on Interstate 5 near Brooks traveling 78 mph in a 65 mph speed zone.

"While attempting to stop the Mazda, it began to drive recklessly northbound and was paced in excess of 100 mph as it attempted to elude and passed other vehicles using both inside and outside freeway shoulders."

Hastings says additional OSP troopers set up near Wilsonville and were joined by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies.

"OSP Sergeant Walt Anderson was trying to keep the fleeing Mazda in sight when it quickly exited onto Highway 217 at a high rate of speed. The Mazda's driver lost control, crashing into a concrete barrier on the right side of the highway and then crossed all lanes and struck the left side concrete barrier disabling the car."

29-year old Jose Antinio Martinez of Hillsboro

They say the driver, identified as 29-year old Jose Antinio Martinez of Hillsboro, got out of the car attempted to run from officers before being overtaken by Sergeant Anderson.

The troopers said that following a brief struggle, Martinez was taken into custody at 11:14 AM.

Police say a 17-year old female from Beaverton who was a passenger in the Mazda was detained and determined to be a runaway. She was transported to Marion County Juvenile Detention Center.

Martinez was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He faces charges of Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and for felony warrants out of Marion County and Salem Municipal Court.

Hastings says he was also cited for violation Driving While Suspended, adding that similar charges will be filed in Clackamas and Washington counties, including a Resisting Arrest charge in Washington County.