MFPD catches sex offender
By Terry Murry on Friday, December 23rd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER – Milton-Freewater police officers came to the aid of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office as it was trying to round up a fugitive from Deschutes County. UCSO told MFPD that Joseph Niemeier, 43, from the Milton-Freewater area was wanted on felony warrants of first-degree sex abuse of a minor.
A Milton-Freewater officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2012 gray Toyota Camry that was traveling southbound on Highway 11 near where Niemeier was living. Police Chief Doug Boedigheimer said a collaborate investigation led the officers to believe the suspect was a passenger in the car.
“The vehicle failed to stop and led officers on a chase, ultimately back toward Niemeier’s residence and into an orchard in that area,” Boedigheimer wrote in an email. “The vehicle traveled through an orchard and eventually came to a stop. Niemeier exited and fled the vehicle before it had stopped, but was located shortly thereafter in the orchard area and taken into custody.”
In addition to arresting the suspect, the driver of the Camry was also arrested. Miranda McGee, 41, is charged with attempt to elude, attempt to assault a police officer, and reckless driving.
According to court records, Niemeier is charged with three counts of first-degree sex abuse of a minor for crimes occurring between 2003 and 2005. The Deschutes County District Attorney’s report states that the victim did not come forward at that time to report the crime to either the police or the Department of Human Services. The warrant for his arrest was issued in May of this year.
