Fleeing driver “spiked” and arrested in East Portland

Although he tried to get away from the pursuing police – see where this wild driver ended up …

The driver’s attempt to flee from a traffic stop ended here, on SE Johnson Creek Boulevard, a half-block west of SE 82^nd Avenue, near the Fred Meyer Store.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
An incident that started at 11:15 p.m. on May 24 proved that it’s not a good idea to attempt a “clean getaway”, when Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers turn on their emergency lights and signal to pull over.

Police tried to stop a blue Ford sedan for a traffic infraction in Woodstock at SE 52^nd Avenue and SE Ramona Street – but the driver took off east on SE Ramona Street.

Officers followed the car south when it turned south on SE 72 Avenue, trying to slow it with a “spike strip” at the intersection – but the driver managed to avoid the tire-shredding device.

The patrol car pins in the stopped car that the officers had been pursuing.

As the pursuit continued southbound, other officers – including one from the Transit Division – joined in trying to intercept the fleeing vehicle at SE Foster Road and Duke Street. The spikes were successfully slid under the car as it passed SE Flavel Street, but it continued south on SE 72^nd Avenue.

After taking the suspect into custody, officers prepare to clear the area.

Officers trailed car as it swerved east on SE Luther Street, south on SE 82^nd Avenue, and then west on SE Johnson Creek Boulevard.

The officer in the patrol car directly behind the fleeing offender finally got into position to safely use the “PIT Maneuver”, which caused the pursued car to abruptly turn sideways in the center of Johnson Creek Boulevard; the driver lost control and stopped.

With guns drawn, officers safely took the driver into custody.

Authorities say this man, 41-year-old Darren Michael Ness is now in jail and must answer for two felony and one misdemeanor charge.

MCDC records indicate why the suspect had been trying to give cops the slip. 41-year-old Darren Michael Ness is charged with two Class C Felonies: one count Possession of Methamphetamine, Attempt to Elude by Vehicle – and a Class A Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving.

Ness remains lodged in Inverness Jail pending $12,500 bail.

As this photo shows – trying to outrun the police is just not a good idea.

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