MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. – A high-speed pursuit on Highway 11 ended safely due to the swift actions of the Milton-Freewater Police Department, according to a press release from the department via Facebook.
On December 11 at around 8:37 p.m., the Milton-Freewater Police Department received a call from the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office dispatch. Authorities from Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and Umatilla Tribal Police were pursuing a black Honda Civic traveling northbound on Highway 11 near milepost 12. The Civic was reportedly swerving and nearly collided with other vehicles. Milton-Freewater officers were called to assist.
Milton-Freewater officers positioned themselves near Highway 11 and Sykes Blvd. and deployed a stop stick, causing the Civic to sustain a flat tire and slow down. Despite the reduced speed, the driver continued to drive erratically, crossing into oncoming traffic lanes multiple times.
Officers executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver near N. Columbia St. and NE 10th Ave., successfully stopping the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody.
Additionally, the driver was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on charges including driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, reckless endangering another person, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and attempted assault in the first degree.
