Reckless Driver Sparks Wild Eight-Minute Chase in Eugene That Leaves Three Police Cars Damaged

EUGENE, Ore. — Three Eugene police patrol vehicles were damaged in eight minutes of high drama, involving a car chase, blaring sirens, and flashing lights.

Drama Began When the Police Failed to Stop a Reckless Driver

The incident occurred at 3.05 p.m. on Friday when a police officer tried to stop a reckless driver near the Valley River Center. The driver, who was endangering the public, failed to yield to the officer, forcing in a high-speed chase by three EPD vehicles.

Two patrol vehicles were damaged near Club Road and Cedarwood Drive, and an officer was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the suspect vehicle continued eastward toward Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where it became involved in congested Game Day traffic. A passenger suddenly exited the vehicle, prompting the police to chase him on foot before successfully arresting him.

The car chase continued, with flashing lights and sirens blaring to warn pedestrians and vehicles to stand clear of the suspect vehicle.

EPD officers executed a forcible vehicle stop at 3.13 p.m. when they pinned the suspect vehicle near MLK Boulevard and Garden Way. A third police vehicle was damaged during this maneuver.

The officers detained the 46-year-old male driver and a second passenger, who were transported to the EPD headquarters for further investigation. This is an ongoing investigation.