Oregon Coast Man Busted Near Baker City After Chase

The pursuit happened on Interstate 84 east of Baker City.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(BAKER CITY, Ore.) - Police say an 18-year old Depoe Bay man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after he attempted to elude Oregon State Police troopers and Baker County deputies for nearly 30 miles at speeds up to 115 mph. It happened on Interstate 84 east of Baker City.

The chase came to an end east of Huntington when the driver lost control avoiding spike strips, and his vehicle was crashed into an OSP trooper's car.

State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings says it began when an OSP trooper attempted to stop a 1995 Nissan Altima driven by 18-year old Joshua J. Dale of Depoe Bay, for traveling 86 mph in a 65 mph zone while driving eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 322.

"Dale sped up to speeds between 90 and 115 mph eastbound as additional officers from OSP and Baker County Sheriff's Office moved into position to assist. At approximately 4:15 PM, Dale attempted to avoid spike strips placed on the highway, temporarily lost control and slowed before beginning to regain control. OSP Senior Trooper Tracy Howard used the right front corner of the patrol car to tactically intervene and bumped into the rear of the Nissan."

He says both vehicles came to a stop on the right eastbound shoulder. Dale was detained and medical personnel were dispatched to check for injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Holy Rosary Hospital in Ontario where he was treated and released into OSP's custody.

Dale was lodged in Baker County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person and Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended.

He was also cited for Exceeding the Speed Limit in Excess of 100 mph to wit: 115 in a 65 speed zone.

Senior Trooper Howard was not injured.