Police Pursuit Reaching 100 MPH Ends in Molalla

Additional officers from OSP, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon City Police Department assisted in attempts to stop the car as it fled southbound on Highway 213 at speeds reaching over 100 mph.

Police released this photo of 30-year old Joseph Smith

(MOLALLA, Ore. ) - A Washington County man is in custody today following his attempt to elude city, county and state police officers in an incident that began in Salem and ended in Molalla on Sunday.

The man's attempt to elude officers ended after Molalla police were able to spike a couple tires, causing the man to flee on foot from the car before he was taken into custody.

At approximately 5:00 PM, Salem Police Department contacted Oregon State Police and informed that they were in pursuit of a stolen grey 1989 Honda Prelude northbound on Interstate 5 in the Salem area. OSP troopers got in position north of Salem and fell in behind the vehicle as it continued northbound at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Officers lost sight of the car near Woodburn and notified other agencies to be on the lookout for it.

OSP Senior Trooper James Duncan set up northbound Interstate 5 south of Wilsonville and spotted the car at 5:14 p.m. a high rate of speed. The driver failed to stop and continued northbound until it exited off at Nyberg Road in Tualatin where it momentarily lost control. The car drove eastbound on county roads, got onto Interstate 205 until it headed southbound on Highway 213 in the Oregon City area.

Additional officers from OSP, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon City Police Department assisted in attempts to stop the car as it fled southbound on Highway 213 at speeds reaching over 100 mph. As the southbound car approached Molalla, a Molalla police officer set up spike strips near Vick Road and successfully deflated two passenger side tires. The car turned east on Tolliver Road where the driver stopped, got out and fled on foot. Officers surrounded the area where the man fled and he was taken into custody without further incident about two minutes later at 5:40 PM.

Joseph Eric Smith, age 30, from Hillsboro, was lodged in Clackamas County Jail on two warrants and the following charges:

• State Parole and Probation Warrant – Parole Violation
• Washington County Warrant – Felony Elude, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and other charges
• Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle
• Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot
• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Reckless Driving* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• Cited for Driving While Suspended.

The car was confirmed stolen in March to Forest Grove Police Department.

A 21-year old female passenger, identified as Smith's girlfriend, was detained and later released. She was not arrested.
Source: Oregon State Police

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