Oregon Man’s Court No-Show Ends in Stolen Truck Bust with Meth, Gun, and Forged Checks

A man who failed to appear in court on charges of strangulation and assault was arrested in Eugene early on Monday morning when a deputy from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) spotted him sitting in a stolen truck.

He was in Possession of Methamphetamine, a Firearm, and Stolen Checks

Thomas Anthony Smith (42) was found in possession of a firearm, methamphetamine, and stolen checks on which he was allegedly attempting to forge signatures.

He was sent to Lane County Jail, where he was also charged with failing to adhere to a previous court order.

The incident occurred at 6 a.m. on Monday, 5 May, when a deputy spotted a green and teal pick-up truck that had been reported stolen.

Spike Strips Set Up to Prevent His Escape

The deputy called for back-up and when it arrived the officers set up spike strips to prevent the truck from escaping.

The LCSO says that when Smith noticed the deputy, he attempted to drive away. However, his vehicle was hemmed in by patrol trucks. Smith remained inside the stolen vehicle until a drone was deployed, says the LCSO.