Deputies chased after 23-year-old Darius Pittman for more than 11 miles, at speeds near 100 mph, before he crashed trying to avoid a spike strip.
(SALEM) - Just after 9:00 AM Friday morning, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Tumnak Thai restaurant at 3082 Lancaster Dr NE on a report that an adult male had stolen a purse belonging to the business owner, 57-year-old Windham Myong, of Salem.
23-year old Darius PittmanShe reported that the man grabbed her purse from the counter inside the business and fled after she had gone into the kitchen to prepare food he had ordered.
While Deputies were responding to the business they spotted a car matching the description given of a white four door Acura.
When the Deputies attempted to stop the car they say the driver, 23-year-old Darius Pittman, of Salem, did not stop the car and lead Deputies on a chase spanning more than 11 miles and reaching speeds near 100 mph until Pittman crashed his car in the 3900 block of Lancaster Dr NE after trying to avoid a spike strip.
During the pursuit the Acura sideswiped as many as three other vehicles causing minor damage.
After the crash, Pittman surrendered to Deputies.
He was uninjured in the crash.
Pittman was lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of First Degree Theft, Felony Attempt to Elude a Police Officer and Reckless Driving.
Alleged Purse Snatcher Leads Deputies on Car Chase Through Northeast SalemSalem-News.com