Driver in Keizer Police Hit and Run Arrested

The front of Sgt. Dave LeDay's police car after the ramming incident early Saturday morning Photo Courtesy: Jeff Kuhns/Keizer Police

(SALEM) - Keizer Police have arrested a Salem man accused of ramming a Keizer Police Sergeant`s cruiser head on with his vehicle early Saturday morning while he was being stopped for suspicion of drunk driving.

That incident left police searching for an unidentified driver, a male in his late teens to early 20`s.

About an hour and a half after the SUV was used to ram the police vehicle, the owner called in to report that the 1985 SUV was stolen.

After an ongoing investigation involving Keizer Police Detectives and Salem Police it was determined that the vehicle involved in the incident was in fact, `Not stolen" as was previously reported. The driver was identified and after an extensive search he decided to turn himself in to Keizer Police Officers.

19-year old Eric Gilmore of South Salem was taken into custody in front of his residence on Marshall Drive without incident after phone conversations persuaded him to return. Gilmore was transported to Marion County Corrections Facility.

He now faces several charges, including Eluding a Police Officer in a Vehicle, Eluding a Police Officer on Foot, Hit and Run causing Injury, Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Assault II and Criminal Mischief I, with a total bail amount set at $65,000.

Police say the investigation is continuing. Anyone having information about this incident is asked to contact the Keizer Police Department at 503-390-3713.

Related article: Keizer Police Cruiser Smashed in Pursuit: salem-news.com/articles/june172006/keizer_pursuit_61706.php