PIT maneuver ends pursuit through Milton-Freewater

By Dan Thesman on Sunday, December 14th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – The Milton-Freewater Police Department joined a multi-agency pursuit last Thursday at 8:37 p.m. of a reckless black Honda Civic that began on Highway 11.

Chief Joe Shurtz said stop sticks were successfully deployed to slow the car, then officers used a precision immobilization technique, better known as a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle in the area of North Columbia Street and Northeast Tenth Avenue.

The driver, Albaro Castaneda, 32, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, fleeing or attempting to elude police, and first-degree attempted assault.

He’s currently being held in the Umatilla County Jail. His bail has been set at $50,000.