OSP Detective Assaulted, Suspect Arrested During Traffic Stop North of Salem

Adams reportedly attacked the Detective and they fell to the ground during the struggle.

Christopher Daniel Adams Photo: Oregon State Police

(SALEM) - Oregon State Police say one of their detectives was assaulted and injured Wednesday night after stopping a reckless, intoxicated driver southbound on Interstate 5 about 1/4 mile south of Brooks.

The suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of other OSP troopers after a fight that they say lasted approximately 6-minutes.

OSP Detective Clinton D. Steele says he was southbound on Interstate 5 Wednesday at approximately 11:39 PM near milepost 263 when he stopped a 2002 Volvo C70 passenger car for reckless driving after the car nearly sideswiped him.

During the contact police say the driver, 25-year old Christopher Daniel Adams of Eugene, was believed to be intoxicated and became uncooperative.

After requesting cover officers to respond for backup, Adams reportedly attacked Detective Steele and they both fell to the ground during the continuing struggle.

Two OSP troopers arrived a few minutes later. They say Adams continued to resist arrest until he subsequently was taken into custody.

Detective Steele was able to drive himself to Salem Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released for a broken finger and shoulder injury.

Prior to the incident, Steele was responding from the OSP Recruit School where he was assisting with instruction of recruit officers.

Detective Steele had been called out to assist with a death investigation at the Oregon State Penitentiary and was enroute from Camp Rilea to Salem when he stopped Adams.

Adams was transported to Marion County Correctional Facility and lodged for Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and Resisting Arrest.

Detective Steele, age 39, is currently assigned as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division at the Salem Area Command office.

He joined OSP in December 2001 and following recruit school training, was assigned in the Patrol Services Division at the Portland Area Command office.

In February 2003, he was one of 129 troopers laid off. Steele was rehired January 2006 at the Capitol Mall Area Command office in Salem where he worked until his transfer to his current detective position in May 2006.