On Friday, January 24th, at approximately 5:30pm, members of the Medford Area Drug & Gang Enforcement Team with the assistance of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were following a suspect, involved in an on-going drug investigation, driving a blue Subaru Impreza.
The suspect vehicle was pre-emptively spiked and immediately drove off at high speeds despite the successful spiking of the tire. A second successful spike occurred shortly thereafter. Another system called Star Chase was attempted to be deployed to be able to track the suspect with GPS but was unsuccessful.
The suspect the drove with tires deflated on rims at high speeds as the chase entered Eagle Point. The pursuit was terminated by Jackson County Sheriff’s Officers for safety but the suspect continued through Eagle Point and was later seen heading toward White City. A deputy then tried to stop the car again. The suspect drove southbound on Highway 62 in the northbound lanes with his lights off. The deputy terminated the pursuit again as the suspect continued toward White City.
At Highway 62 near Antelope, the suspect crashed head on into a vehicle traveling in the northbound lane. The crash involved three vehicles plus the suspect vehicle. Multiple persons were given medical aid.
The suspect was arrested as he tried to exit his vehicle and flee.
37 year old Joseph Brandon Guyette was lodged at Jackson County Jail on a State Parole Violation Warrant for an original charge of Assault 3, No Bail. He also was lodged for Attempting to Elude a Police Officer-Vehicle, $7500 bail. It is expected that additional charges will be added by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for the crash and related actions.
