At approximately 08:15am Monday morning, October 21st, Coos County observed a white Ford F-150 fail to obey a traffic control device at a controlled intersection.
A Traffic Stop was initiated on the Ford pickup as it attempted to Elude them, at a high rate of speed for the residential area and driving down the center of the road.before the driver lost control and crashed into a fence, as well as a power-pole causing heavy damage.
The driver, later identified as 30 year old James Merchant, was observed by Deputies running from the crash scene, leaving the female passenger and her dog in the crashed vehicle.
Deputies ordered him to stop running, but Merchant continued and was quickly located and taken into custody without further incident. During a search of Merchant’s person, suspected Methamphetamine and Cocaine were located.
It was later confirmed to Deputies that Merchant to have active Warrants for his arrest.
Merchant was arrested and transported to the Coos County Jail for the Warrants and additional requested charges of Elude, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Hit & Run – Property Damage, Criminal Mischief 1, Escape 3 and possession of Methamphetamine & Cocaine.
Merchant was booked and lodged on those charges, as well as a Detainer from his Parole Officer.
