On Tuesday August 28th, 2019 at 3:24 PM Deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit was initiated on Leland Rd. outside of Wolf Creek. A traffic stop was initiated on a black Ford Explorer for reckless driving. The operator of the vehicle elected to flee upon lights and siren being activated.
The pursuit continued over rural gravel roads leading into the Sunny Valley community on King Mountain Rd. A Deputy was in the process of setting up spike strips in the 400 block of King Mountain Rd. when the eluding vehicle approached him accelerating at high speeds. The Deputy was attempting to avoid collision but was caught halfway out of the driver’s door of the patrol vehicle. The eluding suspect elected to ram the patrol vehicle striking the driver’s door, driver’s side rear door and driver’s side rear quarter panel.
The Deputy was pinned between the door and his upper torso bent the top of the door out due to the force of the impact. The suspect vehicle became disabled and the male driver and female passenger then eluded on foot.
The Deputy engaged in a foot pursuit but then stopped to evaluate his injuries. Soon after the incident he was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center emergency department. He was released after being treated.
The Oregon State Police was summoned to conduct a crash reconstruction and are assisting with the assault/crash investigation. At this time both subjects are still outstanding. If anyone has information regarding this incident the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office asks that you contact us at 541-474-5123.
