Police Say Suspect Hid in Freezing Water to Avoid Capture

(WINSTON, Ore.) - A 29-year old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon on multiple charges following his attempt to elude in a stolen vehicle and on foot west of Winston, according to Sergeant Steve Mitchell with Oregon State Police.

"After fleeing on foot the subject reportedly submerged himself in Looking Glass Creek to avoid capture and was arrested about two hours later when Douglas County deputies saw him walking from the search area."

Mitchell says this morning at approximately 11:34 a.m., an OSP trooper saw a 1990 Honda Accord two-door eastbound on Highway 42 near Olalla Road and obtained a speed reading of 85 mph in a 55 mph speed zone.

"The trooper attempted to stop the car, which was later determined to be stolen, as it sped up and attempted to elude toward Winston. The lone occupant stopped west of Old Brockway Road and fled on foot through a field toward Looking Glass Creek."

Mitchell says Douglas County deputies and Winston police responded to the area to help search for the driver.

"After arriving, deputies recognized some stolen property inside the car from several overnight cases they were investigating."

During the next two hours, Mitchell says state, county and city police officers searched the area. At about 1:45 p.m. two deputies spotted the driver walking from the area and detained him.

29-year old Thomas Ivan Grimes Jr. of Oakland, Oregon was arrested for Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle, Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving and a warrant issued by the State Parole Board.

Prior to transport to jail, medical personnel responded to evaluate Grimes because he complained of being cold while submerging himself in the creek to avoid capture.