Suspect Tries to Flee Salem Police Using Willamette River Slough

The suspect spent over 40 minutes in the water swimming from officers that were on shore.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - A Salem police officer escaped serious injuries Wednesday, after a man with a felony warrant backed over his motorcycle trying to escape capture.

Salem police spokesman Lt. Dan Deitz says 25-year-old Sean Miller of Salem, fled from the initial traffic stop in the 800 block of Saginaw St. S.

Miller, a passenger in the vehicle at the time, climbed over into the drivers seat and sped off. The initial driver, 29-year-old Louisa Ester Villarreal and the officer were not injured in the crash.

Police later tracked down the 1991 Infinity Miller was driving in the area between River Road South and the Willamette Slough near Minto-Brown Island Park.

When police attempted to contact him, he went into the water in an attempt to flee. He spent over 40 minutes in the water swimming from officers that were on shore Deitz said.

Finally at about 5:00 PM, a very tired and cold Miller swam to shore and was taken into custody. He was taken to Salem Hospital for evaluation for hypothermia.

Villarreal was taken into custody at the time of the initial traffic stop for traffic related crimes and violations and for warrants through Marion County and the City of Salem.

Her warrants included; Attempt to Elude Police, DUII and Fail to Appear.

She was charged Wednesday with; Felony Attempt to Elude Police, Reckless Driving, DUII and Failure to Display a Drivers License.

Miller was charged with; Felony Attempt to Elude, Fail to Perform Duties of a Driver in an Accident, Criminal Mischief and Reckless Driving.

Miller had an outstanding Felony Warrant for Abscond. He was on parole for Burglary.