Two are arrested in Saturday pursuit

By Terry Murry on Monday, January 10th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – What allegedly began as a sexual encounter ended in a pursuit and arrest for two Hermiston residents Saturday, according to the Oregon State Police. A trooper responded to a request for assistance by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office for what was reported to law enforcement as being a naked and unresponsive man at Cold Springs Reservoir.

“Medics located the vehicle and found that the two subjects were engaged in coitus behavior,” the log states.

A short time later the vehicle passed an OSP trooper while leaving the reservoir, driving recklessly. Attempts to perform a traffic stop as well as a try to spike the tires of the truck failed. The vehicle entered Hermiston and attempted to turn eastbound onto Highway 207. It crashed into a vehicle ending up on McDonald’s property.

“The driver and passenger fled on foot and were located in the parking lot,” OSP reports. “A motorcycle located in the bed of the truck returned stolen. Drugs and paraphernalia were located on the occupants and in the vehicle.

Richard D. Sowell, 34, of Hermiston faces multiple charges, several of them felonies. The felonies include attempt to elude; unauthorized use of a vehicle; and unlawful manufacture, delivery, and possession of methamphetamine. His bail is $100,000.

Marissa Elizabeth Gonzales, 28, of Hermiston is charged with unlawful manufacture, delivery and possession of meth. Her preliminary bail is set at $50,000.