Ontario Man Rescued From Badger Hole After Fleeing From Police

A stolen car pursuit ends in the most awkward place!

Gregory Morrow, of Ontario, was stuck approximately 8 feet underground and could not move. Photo: OSP

(MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore.) - An OSP Trooper was on patrol Thursday morning about 7:30, and located an occupied stolen vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, in Ontario and attempted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Jack in the Box (4th Street).

The driver drove away, jumping a curb, and then pursued by the Ontario Police Department. The vehicle was pursued for a short distance but terminated due to safety concerns. During the pursuit two males and a dog could be seen occupying the vehicle.

Information led police to BLM land near Vale where a search was conducted by ground and air.

One suspect was located several hours later traveling by foot on the BLM land. The male was identified as 35-year old Jerry Boatman, of Ontario, and was arrested for Escape III and a parole violation.

The search continued and a couple hours later and aircraft located the vehicle in a ravine. Tracks leading from the vehicle were followed for over a mile and the dog was spotted.

As law enforcement approached the dog, it fled into a large badger hole and would not come out. After getting the dog out, they could hear a male screaming for help from within the hole.

Police discovered, 22-year old Gregory Morrow, of Ontario, was stuck approximately 8 feet underground and could not move. He was feet first in the hole and was losing the feelings in his arm.

Police immediately began digging to remove him from the hole. After about an hour and a half, Morrow was rescued and taken into custody after being identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle.

He was briefly taken to Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Ontario to be treated for minor injuries. Following his arrest he was arrested for a parole violation warrant. Further charges are pending on MORROW.

Police say it is most likely Morrow would have died from exposure as he would not have been able to free himself. The investigation is continuing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

OSP was assisted by the Ontario Police Department, Malheur County Sheriff's Office and Vale Fire and Rescue.