Pursuit ends in arrest
By Terry Murry on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Lucas S. Stahl, 19, of Pendleton is facing felony charges following an incident involving a stolen vehicle early Wednesday morning. It began at about 2:30 a.m. when a patrol officer on the North Hill observed a red Jeep Cherokee making quick turns onto side streets in what appeared to be an attempt to evade the officer.
Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram said that the officer got behind the vehicle and ran the license plate which was registered to an owner living on the North Hill. At that point, the SUV took off at a high rate of speed, turning off its lights and driving recklessly in the residential area, according to the officer’s report.
“The officer gave chase, but ultimately lost sight of the vehicle traveling about 60 to 70 miles per hour in the area of Southwest 10th Street and Southwest Emigrant Avenue,” Byram wrote in an email.
The officer contacted the registered owner who said that he had just noticed his vehicle was missing from his driveway and that he suspected a relative stole it, Byram stated. While the officer was taking the stolen vehicle report, the Jeep was spotted by an officer for Umatilla Tribal Police in their jurisdiction. A pursuit ensued.
“They were able to use a pursuit intervention tactic to end the pursuit,” Byram wrote.
Stahl was taken into custody at approximately 2:56 a.m. He is facing charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, attempt to elude, first-degree theft, and reckless driving. He is being held at the Umatilla County Jail on $100,000 bail.
