Pendleton, Ore. -Yesterday at approximately 12:40pm an OSP Trooper from the Pendleton Area Command saw a speeding 1989 Nissan 240Z on I-84 westbound traveling 91 mph in a 65 mph zone. As the trooper attempted to overtake the speeding vehicle it increased it’s speed in excess of 120 miles per hour.
The trooper activated the overhead lights, and next the speeding vehicle pulled into the westbound truck scales, turned around, and began to travel the wrong way on the Interstate in an attempt to elude the trooper. The trooper discontinued pursuit of the vehicle. Minutes later, the trooper located the vehicle again near the westbound Deadman’s Pass Rest Area and the vehicle again began to flee traveling north on Kanine Ridge Road and into the Umatilla Tribal Reservation.
The fleeing vehicle traveled north on Kanine Ridge Road at slower speeds due to the rough terrain and eventually became disabled after about 8 miles. Both the male driver and a female passenger fled on foot into the hillside and down a ravine.
State Troopers from Pendleton, Hermiston, Lagrande, an OSP Aircraft from Baker City, as well as the Umatilla Tribal Police responded to the area and established a perimeter then began an air and ground search for the suspects. At approximately 2:02pm the male suspect identified as 25 year old Jacob ROSS of Des Moines, WA was taken into custody after he was located hiding and partially covered by brush. A short time later the female identified as 22 year old Whitney JOHNS of Tacoma, WA, was located and taken into custody.
ROSS was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on the charges of Felony Attempt to Elude, Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment and Criminal Trespass II.
JOHNS was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on the charge of Criminal Trespass II.
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