Milton-Freewater man arrested after high-speed chase, crash
By Dan Thesman on Friday, February 20th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER – A local man is behind bars after leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit that spanned city streets and a state highway Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Thomas D. Payant, 32, of Milton-Freewater, was arrested following a vehicle chase and a brief foot pursuit. He now faces multiple charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving.
According to Milton-Freewater Police Chief Joe Shurtz, the incident began around 3 p.m. when officers attempted to stop a blue Acura TL for expired registration in a grocery store parking lot on North Columbia Street.
Shurtz said Payant refused to pull over, driving through the parking lot at a high rate of speed and nearly causing a collision. Officers initially discontinued the pursuit due to the driver’s reckless behavior, but the vehicle was spotted again blocks away by a Umatilla County Sheriff’s deputy.
The deputy and city officers resumed the chase after Payant again failed to yield. The pursuit ended a short time later when Payant crashed the Acura on Highway 339 and attempted to run away on foot.
Officers caught Payant after a short foot chase and took him into custody without further incident.
“This is another example of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to apprehend individuals who attempt to evade police,” Shurtz said in a statement.
In addition to the new charges of eluding, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, and third-degree escape, Payant was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on an outstanding parole violation.
